Reflecting Christ’s Spirit in Joy!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

When we believe that God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believes in him should have eternal life, we begin a journey of life change.   You see, God loves all people of all time, but God is also just.  We want justice when someone does something to hurt us or those we love.  It could be as simple as someone stealing a good idea you had and making everyone think it was theirs.  Or it could be something as major as a loved one being killed by a drunken driver or a drug addict seeking money or things to steal.  No matter the hurt, we are driven by the desire for justice.

If that is true for us, how much more so for God who has given us everything, and yet we turn away, ignore him, curse him, blame him for everything bad that happens, and continue to worship idols (gods of our making, or television, or work, or tablets, games, etc.).   If we are driven by the desire for justice, even more so is God.

Yet he had a solution that could merge his great love for us with the need for justice.  It all came together, love and justice, in the life of one man who walked the earth 2,000 years ago, and whose love still fills lives with joy – Jesus, Emmanuel (“God with us”).

Jesus, the proof of God’s love, mercy, and grace; Jesus, who promised that for those who believe in him should have eternal life, but also should live joy filled lives until we join him in heaven.

Believe in him.  Accept him.  Trust him with your life, and you will find a change that enables joy in the midst of the worst of times.  Your part is to believe, accept, trust, and read his word – the Bible.  Leave the rest to him.

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Believe in Jesus, but also believe Jesus, and have joy, and have it overflowing.

Jesus said it, and it is true.  I know.  I’ve experience it, and so can you!

Blessings,

Marsha