◄ What Does Galatians 5:22 Mean? ►

The beautiful fruit of the Spirit comes out from the Holy Spirit and is perfected by Him, and each facet is a jewel that beautifies the life of a believer. Each grace stands alone and yet together, the fruit of the Spirit unites into one perfect gemstone which is rooted and founded on God's love.

The love of God pours forth a fountain of graces that are each uniquely attractive, but which intertwine together into a complimentary oneness that so exemplifies the gracious goodness of our God.

When God's love is the first and foundational fruit, it is interesting to note that joy is the first pretty face that peeps out from the radiance of His love. Joy in the heart of the believer must be grounded in God's love, without which it fades into man's feeble attempts at happiness. The joy of the Lord was the fruit that caused Paul to rejoice, "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, for in all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy."

The wonders of salvation and mercy of God that forgives us our sins and imputes us with Christ's righteousness is joy indeed, as is the glorious hope of our eternal home that God has prepared for all those that love Him. 

One day we all will be together – a company of saints that is overflowing with joy, for in His presence there is fullness of joy when He will wipe away every teardrop. But in the meantime, may the love of God be manifested through an inner joy that is founded on Him. Let us be genuinely joyful when others rejoice, and not resentful of their good fortune.

Let us be prepared to share the joy of the Lord sensitively with those that are in pain and be a channel through whom God pours His love into the lives of those we meet. 

Loving Father, I bless you for the joy poured into my life, for once I was lost but now I am found. May I learn to rejoice in my sufferings and may Your joy flow through me to all I meet today, to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.