If you think of fruit growing on a tree, you know that certain trees were made to produce certain kinds of fruit. I would say that fruit of the Spirit is somewhat similar. The Holy Spirit of God lives inside us, He holds the DNA of certain fruits or what we would refer to as attributes or characteristics
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a Person. He is never to be referred to as “it.” He is a mighty Person, the Holy Spirit of God, the living Spirit of God Himself.
The Bible also teaches us that the Spirit of God produces the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Did you see JOY as a fruit of the Spirit?
Exciting, huh?!
The Bible also says, “…the kingdom of God is … righteousness and peace and joy…” (Romans 14:17).
According to Matthew 3:2, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
So, that means joy is at hand, and if it is at hand, doesn’t that mean we can reach for it?
In Matthew 3, the Bible says we need to repent. Repent, if you remember, means to “change the way we think.”
Right after it talks about repenting it says we want to do this because “the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15).
I wonder if joy is tied to letting go of mistakes, mess ups, and wrong mindsets? By giving them to the only One who can truly forgive us, we are set free into more joy than we think possible.
What we know is that joy, laughter, and happiness are helpful in life. Right?
Happiness is not needing anything from anyone, meaning you are so filled with the joy of God, with the love of God, with the acceptance of God, with the affirmation of God that you truly don’t need anything from anyone else. That doesn’t mean you don’t have people around you, it just means you are going into those relationships already full, not needing anything to fill a deep well in your soul.
I learned to laugh at myself in my most pitiful states, and it not only helped, but it also took my mind and focus off my issues and brought me joy.
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
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Always remember hearing that the real happiness in life is the JOY of our lives;
1st= JESUS
2nd =OTHERS
3rd =YOURSELF
I was sooo excited to see your blog!!! BLESS YOU GIRL!
Marilyn
Thank you for reading and for your kind words!
-Team Andrea