All around us are people who know very little of the experience of true joy. They seek it earnestly, and they shouldn’t have to look too far to find it. For the joyless people of this world should see the joy of Jesus Christ in us. Our readings are from the book, Joy to Your World!, and today’s reading is from page 17:
“Jesus Christ came to earth to bring the joy of heaven into the misery, loneliness, and confusion of earthly turmoil and trouble. He makes His blessings flow through those who have received His truth and entered His grace (Jn. 7.37-39). The Bringer of Joy makes all who truly know Him joy-bringers to the world.
“Christians have come to know this joy, and when we’re living in Jesus, His blessings fill and delight us, and His joy exudes from us in our conversations and works. Confronted by such hope and joy, those who lack it may be moved to inquire as to the reason for it. Every believer is charged with the duty of being ready to give an explanation for the hope and joy he shows to the watching world (1 Pet. 3.15), to answer those who, trapped in the folly of unbelief, have seen in us something that resonates with a longing in their souls.”
For reflection or discussion
1. Who are the people most likely to see the joy of Jesus Christ in you? What will they see?
2. What would you say to someone who asked you about the joy they see in you?
We need to make sure that we’re showing the right thing to our world. If we know Jesus and the joy of His salvation, then joy will be our calling card with everyone we meet. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss the joy you know in Jesus. You can order a copy of Joy to Your World! by going to The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
