We are going to look at a few examples of joy within the scriptures. First off though, let's look at the definition of the word joy. Joy is defined as, the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying. I have found that this definition is partially correct in my view of joy. A big part that is missing and not connected with this definition is the aspect of love. Love is a reoccurring theme in the pages of the Bible, as well as in my time spent with God.
John 15:11-12
11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Philippians 2:2
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Philemon 1:7
7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Here are three prime examples of joy and loves correlation. In John 15, Jesus wants us to experience the joy that he has readily available for us to experience. He wants us to be complete and alive for him. We need to live for a greater purpose instead of investing our time, money, and energy into earthly things that are worthless in the end. He goes on to explain that we are to love each other, just as He loves us. This isn't just a request, this is a command. We are to show love to Christians AND non-believers. Christ didn't take on the Christ and say I am just going to save my friends, my mom, and some kids. He loved everyone so much that he gave his life up, just as his father commanded. God commanded his Son to suffer torture, take nails through his wrists and feet, and take upon death. Jesus did it. Jesus commands us to love each other with the same sacrificial love that he shows us daily. Do we do it? It is not an easy job to follow Christ. As a matter of fact, it's not even a job. It should be a joy.
In Philippians, Paul presents us with a similar verse. He is talking about a complete joy (sound familiar?). Paul recognizes the call of Christ and is dedicated to fulfilling that call. As Christians, we should be like-minded, which means we have the mind of Christ. Imagine having the mind of Christ. What a beautiful experience! To dwell constantly on the scriptures. To understand the call of God. To be willing and humble enough to go and carry out God's commandments. Our minds are so handicapped at times. We give in to temptations and think about junk throughout the day. The one purpose that Paul is talking about in this verse is the same purpose that Christ presents to us in that we should love each other as He loves us. Just to back this up and make sure we are clear on this, John 14:15 explains it further:
15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command..."
Paul addresses Philemon and commends him of his love. He explains that seeing the impact of Philemon's love and passion has given him joy and encouragement. So, from one Christian to another, joy is experienced because of the love expressed in spiritual living and living out the commandments of Christ. That means I could be a source of love and joy for those around me! I have the opportunities throughout the day to cause pain, neglect, hate, discouragement, and emotional turbulence. I also have the opportunities to share the love that Christ has placed in my life and show joy, hope, forgiveness, understanding, patience, and so much more! I was once a slave to sin, living for the world and the things within it. The devil had a smile on his face while I fell into the holes of sin and despair. I am no longer a slave to sin as Christ shared his love with me when I was 10, regardless of the dirt on my record.
This gives a whole new meaning of "joy to the world"...
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