“The only lasting and fully satisfying joys for any man lie on the other side of a cross.” ― Walter J. Chantry
Recently, we discovered that joy is produced by the grace of God and that it is the presence of God. Today, let’s discuss what grace is since we are about to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Easter).
In Greek, grace is called charis (5485) and is defined as grace and kindness (Strong’s Concordance). It is known as God’s unmerited favor; His kindness given to us, which we do not deserve. Romans 3:23-24 (NLT) says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”
Jesus suffered on the cross because He knew the joy it would bring us. Hebrews 12:3 (MEV) tell us, “Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Before He left, Jesus ensured we would have access to His joy. John 17:13 (TLB) says, “And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so that they would be filled with my joy.”
I love what Samuel Gordon said, “Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its spring deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross.”
We should always express our thankfulness for Jesus’ sacrifice by showing our joy. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4 (KJV)
Join me next time as we continue to “focus on joy.”
[Joy is => inner gladness, delight, calm delight, or even rejoicing.]
If you missed the prior post, click here.
Thank you for your time. Happy Resurrection Day! LR Maddox
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