Joy Full

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd Oct 23 - Filed in Devotional - 3,871 views
  I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full. 'This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.' John 15:11 WEB
  
  Peter and the Apostles were beaten by the religious leaders and then told not to talk about Jesus anymore, but they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name and continued talking (Acts 5:41). When Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned, they prayed and sang hymns to the Lord while the other prisoners listened to them (Acts 16:25).
  
  There is a joy that surpasses all understanding, and no matter what you face on this earth, it cannot be taken from you. It does, however, have a requirement. Jesus taught that we could have this joy if we kept His commandments, and directly under it said, 'Love one another as I have loved you' (John 13:34). If we do not have love, we are nothing but noise like a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). People do not care what you know, until they know how much you care.
  
  If we do love one other, we will be filled with His joy. It makes sense that we cannot be filled with joy and anger, bitterness, jealousy and happiness all at the same time. We are commanded to love each other; the only choice we have is whether we will do it. We can choose to show no love, and to have no joy.
  
  It is usually easy to love the Lord. After all, He is perfect and God is love (1John 4:16). The times where we have had a disagreement always ended up with me changing my attitude, seeing things through His eyes, and never once Him because He was always right to begin with. Other people though, ouch. He really made us work for that joy when He said love your neighbor as yourself. It is not easy. You gotta want it, so love that neighbor.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for the life that You have given me. Please give me the grace to love those around me and to keep a positive attitude. Overflow my heart with Your Joy today, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chron 7:14). If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network
  
  
  

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