The fruit of the Spirit · 2 of 9
Joy
Greek chara
A deep gladness in God that does not depend on circumstances, because it rests in his presence and his promises.
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”John 15:11 (King James Version)
The word
Paul's word is chara. It shares a root with charis, the Greek word for grace. Joy in the New Testament is not the same as being cheerful. It is the gladness of someone who knows they are held by God.
Joy that outlasts the weather
Jesus spoke of his joy at the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed. Paul wrote “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4) while he was in chains (Philippians 1:13). Christian joy is not the absence of sorrow. It is a gladness deep enough to hold sorrow without being destroyed by it.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”Psalm 16:11 (King James Version)
The joy of the Lord
When Ezra read God's law to the people returned from exile, they wept. Nehemiah told them to stop grieving, to feast, and to share with those who had nothing, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is meant to be shared, and it makes us strong.
Three simple practices
- Begin with praise. Open the day with the first words of Morning Prayer: “Lord, open our lips, and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.”
- Count the gifts. Each evening, name three good things God gave you that day, however small.
- Rejoice with someone. When someone shares good news, stop and celebrate it with them (Romans 12:15).
A closing prayer
O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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