The fruit of the Spirit is…joy… – Galatians 5:22

Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

Christian joy is deeper than the laughter from a good joke; it also carries us through times that are not humorous. Rejoicing in the Lord always doesn’t mean we will never shed a tear, but it does mean that we can take to heart that God works all things for our good. Christian joy remembers God’s constant blessings upon us as those belonging to Christ in life and in death.

Joy follows love; it includes the outflow of love in one’s life to others. While hatred can lead to envy, which brings no joy, love accomplishes the opposite. Where love arrives, joy is near, for true love is expressed in joy and results in joy. We can only really enjoy life when we live in obedience to God showing the world that His love motivates us.

Joy is tied both to love and hope. Jesus Christ saw that for the joy that was set before Him, he could endure the cross. May God grant to us the joy of what He has in store for us, as well as a joyful memory of what we have already in Christ.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that God will sanctify your heart so that you will labour for the Lord with a joy that results in further joy for others.

This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa.