It’s flu season and as a mom with a toddler I know how easy it is to catch something. We’ve had the stomach bug twice this year. I was trying to think of something positive that is contagious, but can’t think of anything. I guess they say if you surround yourself with successful people you will head towards that path. Another one is surrounding yourself with positive people — it’s contagious!

And so is joy.

Joy is so positive, life changing, and contagious!

Think about someone you’ve met who immediate comes to mind when you think of joyful!

When I started thinking about the word joy it started popping up in conversations, on my feed, and in my Bible study.

I saw a quote that micro joys are how we get through macro grief. I love this! It’s true. With a little dose of joy we can get through hard things. Joy is having something deeper than happiness to hold on to through all circumstances in life. I would argue the only way to hold on to this is through a relationship with Jesus.

So how can we grab hold of more joy in our lives? The Bible includes joy in the fruit of the Spirit which we receive when we live close to Jesus.

Galatians 5:22-23 - “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

The original Greek word for joy in Galatians 5:22-23 is “chara” (χαρά), which refers to a deep, abiding sense of gladness and delight that comes from God’s presence and grace. Unlike temporary happiness that depends on circumstances, chara represents a spiritual joy rooted in one’s relationship with Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. This joy is characterized by a profound sense of well-being and contentment that transcends life’s difficulties and remains constant regardless of external situations.

Okay, so basically the word “joy” in that verse is from the Greek word “chara” (χαρά), and it’s not just like everyday happiness! It’s this deep, beautiful gladness that comes straight from being close to God. You know how regular happiness can be so up and down depending on what’s happening in your life? Well, chara is different — it’s that soul-level contentment that sticks with you even when life gets hard. It’s rooted in your connection with Jesus and the Holy Spirit working in you, and that’s what makes it so steady and real, no matter what craziness you’re dealing with!

For the entire list of scripture head over to my blog <3 <3 <3

19 Bible Verses About Joy

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