What does that look like? We hear those words ring loudly through the air during this season, but have we considered the cost?
It took the Amazing Father God filled with love and compassion – willing to give His Only Son as a sacrifice for us. It took His Son named Jesus – willing to obey and suffer unbelievable pain, abuse, and crucifixion, so that the price for our sin would be paid in full and we could come into relationship with our Father God forever.
And now it takes us! The price has been paid in full, but the work has just begun. For the world to experience joy, we must follow God’s instruction to “Go ye therefore into all the world and preach the good news to all creation…”
Most of us read that and think, but I am not a preacher. While it may be true that we do not hold the “title” of preacher – all of us truly are. We send forth messages every day in our homes; our workplace; among our friends; and in our community. What is the message we are preaching? Is it a message that spreads the gospel of joy? Just how are we to do that?
Here are some suggestions from God’s Word: Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxious fear brings depression but a life-giving word of encouragement can bring joy to the heart.” And 1 Thessalonians5:14 tells us to “be skilled at gently encouraging”.
My wonderful friends, there is no greater encouragement than to share God’s unconditional love through our words and actions. It often begins with a simple act of kindness and compassion.
Maybe you are in a season where you are the one who needs more joy. Psalm 119:1-2 says: “You’re only truly happy when you walk in total integrity, walking in the light of God’s Word. What joy overwhelms everyone who keeps the ways of God – those who seek Him as their hearts passion.”
But Nita, you don’t know my circumstances!
That is absolutely true. But I do know a God who is greater than any circumstance and the author of joy. He instructs us to “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL these things will be added unto you.” I have to not only believe IN Him, but BELIEVE Him and stand on His promise.
So our task in spreading joy to the world is to take our eyes off of ourselves and our circumstances and put them on the ONE who gave it all, and on His people who so desperately need Him. The world is full of them: In our families; our workplace; our friends; and in our community..
And the greatest news is that we do not have to do this in our own power! The Lord has given us the Holy Spirit to inspire and empower us. So I leave you today with this beautiful prayer from Ephesians 1 to encourage you.
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.”
