Study #45: LAMED

LAMED: THE GOAD OF DISCIPLESHIP:( PART 7 )

THE 5 BLESSINGS OF THE ONE NEW MAN IN CHRIST ( PART 7 )

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: JOY

Yesterday we shared on the first segment of the Fruit of the Spirit: LOVE (Agape).

Today we learn about JOY (Chara).

The Greek word for JOY is CHARA which is related to CHARIS (the Grace Gift of God).

Hence JOY is the normal response to CHARIS – we have joy because of God’s grace.

There are different types of JOY. There is JOY in God’s Provision ( e.g. of Salvation ) and of His Presence. But in today’s devotion, allow me to share on the Progression of JOY ( Spiritual Maturity ) as we allow our JOY to become an expression in our everyday life and action.

This JOY of Spiritual Maturity happens as the Holy Spirit works in us to bear more fruit – as we grow more confident in God’s promises and rejoice in our walk with Him and with other believers.

As John 15:11 puts it – the fullness of joy comes to those who continue in the love of Christ and obey Him.

In fact this JOY is transcendent – believers, following the example of Christ, can endure persecution and suffering because of the promise of future joy ( Hebrews 10:34; 12:2; James 1:2-4 ).

Abba Father, possessing JOY is a matter of choice – whether we choose to value Your provision, presence or promises in our lives. When we yield to the Holy Spirit, He opens our eyes to Your grace around us and fills us with JOY ( Romans 15:13). For JOY cannot be found elsewhere in a fallen world; it is only fellowship with You that can make our JOY complete (1 John 1:4).