"Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Jas 1:2
Joy is one of the most important and essential elements of the Christian life. Unless believers exude joy, they fail to witness to the power of the Gospel. Set free from fear by the love of Jesus, Christians live fully in the Spirit no matter the personal cost and proclaim the love of God by the way they live.
Additionally, James reminds his readers that trials endured for the sake of the Gospel enhance the message of Jesus by letting all know that no matter how painful a life of faith might be, Christians will still be joyful in the Christ who will help his followers persevere by giving them the strength of his presence and love.
We can check our joy quotient by asking ourselves how joyful we are when others succeed and find peace. One committed measure of the Christian is the ability to put aside envy and jealousy in order to delight in other's prosperity. Most of us can do this easily with and for children and friends, but the Gospel demands we do it even for our enemies.
Today, ask to be joyful for others.
How do you understand Christian joy?
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