The Fruit of the Spirit 31 (Joy - Definition Continued)

 The Fruit of the Spirit

Joy - Definition Continued

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:23


In this article, we will continue our discussion on joy. In the last article, I debunked the idea that joy is just a feeling, emphasizing that it is tangible. Therefore, I define joy as the rejoicing of the heart because of the grace we have received from God.

To review the last article, kindly click on the link.

In today's article, I will provide another perspective on biblical joy. Although it is similar to the previous definition, it offers a different expression. Joy responds to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction in Christ. The key highlight in this definition is choice. Joy is a choice! It is a life you choose to walk in. Even though, as believers, you have joy inside of you, you might choose to neglect it. You might decide to deny it based on what you evaluate.

In Philemon 1:6, Paul tells Philemon that the sharing of our faith is made effective by acknowledging the good things in us. This means that joy is made effective in our soul when we recognize the good virtues within us. If a believer is not walking in joy, he must have chosen not to because of what he considers. Beloved, you can choose whether you value God's presence or your present situation.

Below are some of the good things to consider for joy to take over your heart:
When you ponder the fact that you have God's presence 24/7 and let your mind soar in the beauty of it, the resultant effect is joy springing forth in your soul (emotions). A believer's joy does not come from what they have but from who they are. Not from where they are but from whom they are. If you focus on what you have physically, no matter how much it is, you can never be joyful because you will always see what you lack. But, glory to Jesus, I do not rejoice for what I have materially; I rejoice because I am a child of God. This is who I am. I am blood-bought. I am forgiven. I am free. These and more are who you are. If you don't find your satisfaction in Christ and who you are currently, you can never consistently walk in joy.

Another perspective on biblical joy is:
Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, which eventually affects the body, produced by the Holy Spirit as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in His word. Galatians 5:22 shows us that joy is what the Holy Spirit supplies. However, we can block its channel by what we choose to acknowledge. From this definition, the key point is that joy is a good feeling of the soul. There is one song that says:
"I feel good, good, good
I feel wonderfully good
Anytime we talk about Jesus
I feel good, good, good."

When we open our minds to the Holy Spirit, He opens our eyes to see the beauty of Christ, the reality of who we are in Him, and He fills our soul with joy. By God's grace, I have seen the glory of Christ, and I am continuously seeing it unfold before my eyes. I have decided that nothing will take my joy away. I celebrate always. I am in a happy mood always and will never be caught in an ugly mood. Yes, I have had different ups and downs. I still have them. But I am rejoicing every day because the joy in my soul is overflowing towards God and the knowledge of His Son.

Are you born again? If not, you cannot experience this joy. You need to open your heart to Jesus, accept Him for all He did on your behalf, and receive His light and life. If you are born again, are you walking in joy? Are you experiencing joy? I want to tell you there is more beauty in Christ than all that the world can offer. Channel your heart to see this beauty, and it is well with us in Jesus' name. Amen.
I will continue from here in the next article. Prayerfully meditate on these things. God bless you.

Article written by Peter Ayoola Fakeye (PAF) 

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