There are three gifts Jesus has given us that define the Christian life… “For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
Righteousness is why Christ came. It is the exchange of the Cross to sinners. He took our sins and offers us His own nature of righteousness. Peace is the effect of this Gift in our hearts and minds… “For the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness: quietness and assurance forever” (Isaiah 32:17).
But joy is the outward evidence that both righteousness and peace reign in our hearts. Joy is what those around us ought to see. The Bible describes our joy in “mega” terms as: “great joy; exceedingly great joy; chief joy.” First, through a personal relationship with Christ, in knowing our sins are gone and our names are registered in Heaven; then in possessing His Word of Truth; in the power of answered prayer; in sinners being saved; in the fellowship of other Believers; in the anticipation of Christ’s return. And this joy is a fruit of the Spirit that cannot be humanly produced by all the best effort.
How wonderful to know Jesus endured the Cross for the “joy set before Him” of saving us. He said, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.” And it’s with “exceeding joy” that He will present us faultless before His throne.
Joy is the mark of Christmas, the resurrection, the ministry of the disciples, and the fruit of “so great salvation.” In a world that is miserable, bitter, and angry, joy in Christ stands out like a diamond on black velvet. May the joy of the Lord not only be your strength, but your beauty, until Jesus comes again.
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