JOY

Galatians 5:22–23 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

PRAY/BE STILL

James 1:2–3 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

JOY vs HAPPINESS

Statistically speaking, happiness is not sustainable. According to the Gallup Research Company...

Just 38% of Americans say they’re satisfied.

Why? Why is it that we as a people are not feeling satisfaction with our lives?

Happiness and Joy are NOT the same

I tried to find ways that these two are related but realistically, biblically and emotionally there is no relation between them.

Happiness is a temporary state of being

Paul tells us in Galatians about the sins of the flesh, that these are things that we should stay away from. But in fact, these are the same things that we turn to for happiness. They are the fulfillment of fleshly desires and the gratification of our humanly being.

Galatians 5:13 NIV

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Joy is continuously self-sacrificial.

Joy, in fact, is the second most important fruit that one must posses in order to see the work of the Spirit in your life.

Happiness Is External, Joy Is Internal

No Joy = No Fruit

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