Passing on His Joy

1 Peter 1:8-9

Verse 8  Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

    Now that we know the gift of joy God has given us, how can we give the gift of joy to others?  As with the gifts of hope and peace, joy is not to be kept for ourselves.

    We know Jesus must have been a joyful person because people weren’t afraid of Him as a person.  Sure the religious leaders were fearful of losing their positions to Him, but it wasn’t because He was unlikable.  In fact, they didn’t like Him because others liked Him too much.  Even children liked Jesus and they are pretty good at judging people.  Can’t we just picture Jesus laughing with children as they told Him their stories?

    If we are living in His joy, it is only natural that others would be attracted to us because of that joy.  People don’t like being around grumpy people nor do they like being around those who have temperaments that are unpredictable.  It is also hard to be close to people who are emotionally triggered by circumstances.  This is why the joy of Jesus draws people to Him.  As we mentioned earlier this week, joy is not dependent on happy circumstances.

    When things are rocky in life we need something stable to hold onto.  That is why Christians can find joy in the times of turmoil.  He is our steady rock and therefore our source of joy when the world around us is crumbling.  By holding firmly to Him instead of flailing like we are drowning, the world sees there is a way to find joy when it seems least likely.

    This isn’t to say that we should ignore the real emotions we are feeling while grieving a loved one or feeling fear in danger, it means that even in those emotions we have a sense of joy because even if we can’t see the future, He can.  Even in those tears of sadness others will be able to see that we aren’t mourning like others do and so that will lead them to ask why.  If we don’t blow up when we are frustrated with our spouse, child, co-worker, or even a stranger on the road, they will know that we have something that isn’t common.

    Only Christians can live in this joy and that means that only those who belong to Him can spread this joy.  We have the opportunity to spread the truth about Him and that should bring joy.

Making It Personal

    How good are you at spreading His joy?  Do people find you to be full of joy?  Who needs to be inspired by your joy today?

Making It Personal Kids

    Do people think you are joyful?  How can you show joy to others?  Who can you share the joy of Jesus with today?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for using us as vessels of Your joy.  May we willingly pour Your joy into everyone we meet.  In Jesus’ name, amen.