By David Dillingham
Romans 12:9-12
How many people have you known who have made poor decisions in a quest for happiness?
The joy of Christ extends well beyond the boundaries of human happiness. Joy is always an indirect result of the receiving and giving of grace. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, gives detailed instructions for how we must treat one another in order to discover real joy.
Be devoted to one another in love.
Give preference to one another in honor.
Be diligent and fervent in your service to the Lord.
Rejoice in hope.
Persevere in tribulation. Remain in an attitude of prayer.
Don’t be hypocritical.
Avoid evil like the plague. Cling to that which is good.
Happiness may come and last a short while as a result of receiving a material gift.
But the advent of joy comes from being filled with the hope, peace, and love offered by God With Us, Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords.
When grace fills our lives with Jesus’ love and moves freely to and fro, we’ll suddenly discover ourselves filled with joy.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing!