Unlike happiness, joy is gladness that is completely independent of the good or bad things that happen in the course of the day. In fact, joy denotes a supernatural gladness given by God’s Spirit that actually seems to show up best during hard times. This is a product of fixing your focus on God’s purposes for the events in your life rather than on the circumstances.

Question: Am I experiencing a joy of life on a regular basis, or is my happiness dependent on things going smoothly in my day?

PRAYER: Jesus I thank you for JOY! No matter what I'm experiencing or walking through, my JOY is not based on how I feel, but rooted in your goodness. This week, I take my eyes off of my circumstances and turn my attention to you.

Love. This word for love doesn’t refer to warm feelings but to a deliberate attitude of good will and devotion to others. Love gives freely without looking at whether the other person deserves it, and it gives without expecting anything back.

Question: Am I motivated to do for others as Christ has done for me, or am I giving in order to receive something in return?

PRAYER: God fill me with YOUR love. Help me put my love into action this week. That I will love without strings attached. That I would know your love for me and in turn, show that love others. That I will influence my world, daily with you love.