A FRUITFUL Christian- Love = Joy

As we jump into the FRUITFUL christian series today, I want to ask you- "what does JOY mean to you?" The world gives us a tainted image of joy. They say:

Joy= happiness
Joy = success
Joy= wealth
Joy= perfection
Joy= achieving your goals
Joy= weight loss
Joy= attention
Joy= popularity
Joy= acceptance
And now you fill in the blank:
Joy =

What does Joy mean to you?
True joy doesnt come through temporary happiness,  achieving something, obtaining anything,  or arriving somewhere.  Joy comes through a relationship with God and living by His plan.

Last week we saw that in Galatians 5:22, the first fruit of the Spirit is LOVE.

And look now in Matthew 22: 36-39
"Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself"

Do you want a joyful life, a FRUITFUL life?
Read John 15 10-12! What is the commandment? Love one another! Now read Pilippians 2:2-4
How can your Joy be full? Love one another!
Joy is a result of obedience
Joy is the effect of a love relationship with God
Joy is the outcome of loving others
Joy is the consequence of following His commands

When we follow Gods divine order and love Him then  love His people- the result = Joy!
If we put ourselves first and become self-centered we mess the order all up and find ourselves miserable.
Keep Jesus First!
Others next!
Then ourselves!

Here is a fun song to the tune of Jingle Bells to help you remember the true meaning of JOY:
J O Y
J O Y
this is what it mean
JESUS first
YOURSELF last
And
OTHERS in between!
I will not be held responsible if this gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day!
You're welcome 🤭

Until next time..blessings