Let’s Talk About Joy: How to Cultivate Joy in Our Lives: Serving Others
Another way to cultivate the fruit of joy, and to cause it to grow in our lives, is to become self-less, giving of one’s self to others. When we as believers give of ourselves in service to others, joy rises up inside of us – just as it did with Paul in these verses:
*Philippians 2:17 (AMP), “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith [for preaching the message of salvation], still I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”
*1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (NIV), “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
*Ephesians 1:15-16 (NIV), “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
Philippians 1:12-14, 18-19 (NIV), “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord, and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear… But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.”
I read once that selfishness chokes out the fruit of joy, so we cannot experience true joy until we learn to minister to other people. Some believers are hindered by the misconception that ministering to people’s needs can only be done from behind a pulpit. NOT TRUE! Praying for people, blessing people, and delivering people can be done anywhere, anytime. So cultivating the fruit of joy can be achieved by ministering in several different ways to other people.
Let’s get some joy worked up in our lives today by finding someone to serve, and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Oh! And the mouth too – speak life to someone today, and see what it can do for you!