Six Sources of Joy

  [299 words] First, it was taught by Jesus. “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets” (Luke 6:22-23). When we are persecuted because of our belief in Christ, Jesus said “We will have a reward in heaven.” Second, it comes from the Holy Spirit, not our own efforts or imagination or family upbringing. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22). Third, it comes from belonging to the Kingdom of God. “The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Fourth, it comes…