Articles
The Fruit of the Spirit - Joy
The Fruit of the Spirit - Joy
Mike Willis
Christian joy is a deep and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that comes from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It’s not dependent on external circumstances or fleeting pleasures but is rooted in the assurance of God’s love, grace, and the hope of eternal life.
It is unrealistic to expect that having Christian joy means that there are no struggles with suffering, pain, and conflict. Consider what these authors have contributed:
“Christian joy, however, is lived out in the midst of suffering. Christian joy is marked by celebration and expectation of God’s ultimate victory over the powers of sin and darkness, a victory actualized already in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who ‘for the joy set before him endured the cross’ (Heb 12:2) but now has been exalted to the right hand of the Father whence he will come in power and great glory. The joyful cry of the believer is ‘Maranatha!’ ‘Lord, come quickly!’ ” (Timothy George, Galatians, The New American Commentary, 401–402).
“It is hope that enables believers to rejoice even in sufferings, and their endurance of sufferings in a Christian spirit strengthens their hope (Rom. 5:3–5)” (F. F. Bruce, The Epistle to the Galatians: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary, 252).
“To the Christian, joy is something quite independent of outward circumstances, and its source is the Holy Spirit (see 1 Thess. 1:6 and Rom. 14:17)” (R. Alan Cole, Galatians: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 220).
“Joy is the result of healthy relationships. When relationships fall apart because of broken commitments, there is a loss of joy (see 4:15). When there is conflict and bitterness, as there was in the Galatian churches, there is no joy. But the first result of true love in relationships is the renewal of joy” (G. Walter Hansen, Galatians, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series, Ga 5:22–26).
How Joy Shows Itself in Life
Christian joy is often experienced and expressed in various ways in daily life. Here are a few key aspects:
Gratitude: Christians often express joy through gratitude, recognizing and appreciating God’s blessings in their lives, both big and small.
Worship and Praise: Joy is frequently expressed in worship, whether through singing, prayer, or other forms of praise. This can happen in church services, at home, or even in everyday activities.
Service to Others: Serving others and showing love and kindness can be a source of joy. Many Christians find joy in helping those in need, seeing it as a way to reflect God’s love.
Community and Fellowship: Being part of a faith community provides support, encouragement, and shared joy. Fellowship with other believers can strengthen one’s faith and joy.
Hope and Trust: Christian joy is deeply connected to hope and trust in God’s promises. Even in difficult times, this joy persists because of the belief in God’s faithfulness and the hope of eternal life.
Inner Peace: This joy often brings a sense of inner peace and contentment, knowing that one’s life is in God’s hands and that there is a greater purpose.
By contrast, an absence of joy can manifest itself in various ways in a person’s life. Here are some common signs:
Lack of Motivation: Without joy, it can be hard to find motivation or enthusiasm for daily activities, work, or hobbies.
Emotional Distress: Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness can become more prevalent. This might also lead to increased anxiety or irritability. Bitterness, complaining, whining, being focused on oneself, and dissatisfied with most of the elements in one’s life show an absence of biblical joy.
Social Withdrawal: Unhappy people might withdraw from social interactions, avoiding friends, family, and community activities that they once enjoyed.
Physical Symptoms: The absence of joy can sometimes lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, or sleep disturbances.
Negative Outlook: A person might develop a more negative or pessimistic view of life, struggling to see the positive aspects or potential for good in situations.
Loss of Interest: Activities and interests that once brought pleasure may no longer seem appealing or enjoyable.
Spiritual Struggles: For those with a faith background, a lack of joy might lead to spiritual struggles, such as feeling distant from God or questioning one’s beliefs.
One cannot always be on cloud 9 but he can have Christian joy even when he is not on cloud 9!
