Joy in life comes from loving others. That concept may be new to many Christians who haven't thought this way. To them walking in love means "giving in, forgiving, and being long-suffering and forbearing," and they don't equate these actions with joy.
Yet Jesus said in John 15:9-11 that walking in love is the key to fullness of joy. But God didn't tell us to walk in love just so we'd be "good" Christians and gain His approval.
He also wants our joy to be full.
Of course, the devil knew some Christians would be flesh-oriented and say, "I know I should walk in love, but what about my life and what I want?"
And he knew others would make commitments to walk in love, but then get into a wrong spirit about it. In other words they'll do it out of a religious duty, and then go around feeling deprived.
All of this is still being centered on one's self instead of others. And you won't be full of joy living this way.
It's so subtle the way the enemy uses things to steal your joy. Years ago I had a number of things happening in my life and pulling on my joy. I was lying in the middle of the floor feeling lousy and praying for the "nth" time. Then the Lord spoke to me.
"Keith," He said, "if you'll just forget about you, most of your problems will evaporate."
That wasn't what I expected to hear, but I got quiet when I heard it.
Well, I thought, let me examine this.
I had to admit He was right, of course. Most of what was bothering me had to do with how things affected me. It's not possible to focus on yourself and stay in strong faith. Unbelief and fear are need conscious and self-conscious, but faith is God-conscious. I realized the Lord had given me the answer.
Because we still live in the same flesh we had before we were born again, it takes training and maturity to not think of yourself all the time. But as we learn to forget self and not dwell on how things affect us, but rather begin to be more concerned about the condition of those around us, the gifts of the Spirit will start flowing in our lives.
Reaching out to people and loving them will make us channels for ministering the love and power of God. That will surely bring us great freedom and such fullness of joy as nothing else can.
That's why the devil is so afraid of love. It's the love-joy connection!
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