Galatians 5:22 - 23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law."
The second Fruit of the Spirit as listed by Paul is joy. It is not an accident that "joy" follows "love." Joy is really a by-product of love. Focus on getting joy - and it will escape you. However, focus on love and joy will find you. In fact, you will automatically be joyful.
As we read the nine qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit we are instantly aware that it is naturally impossible to develop these qualities. They are only possible through the supernatural intervention of the Spirit of God in our lives. I read of one Christian who said that the basis of our faith is the Cross - therefore we should spend our time weeping instead of laughing.
Yes, the Cross is the basis - and that is exactly why we should be laughing - yes, there is suffering in Christianity, but because of Christ and the Holy Spirit we have the supernatural gift of joy. The empty tomb takes away the gloom, the Resurrection restores the rejoicing, Easter gives us the earnest joy of the future given us through Jesus.
Today, ponder the fact of the joy given by God - and look for ways to give thanks for His great grace and gift.
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