‘Say it with fruit …’ (3)

Galatians 5:22-23

‘the fruit is … joy’ ‘Joy is the serious business of heaven.’ (C S Lewis) more words in Hebrew than in any other language Greek word is ‘chara’ ‘Joy is love smiling.’ a feast, not a funeral a life of delirious joy joy is a grace we share with others

‘the fruit is … joy’ ‘Joy is the seasoning that tickles the taste buds of the unsaved.’ happiness depends on happenings joy is not a fair-weather feeling David in Psalm 16:11 Habakkuk in 3:17-18 James in 1:2

‘the fruit is … joy’ our joy is in Jesus … our joy is Jesus Psalm 51:12 – ‘restore … the joy of your salvation’ Nehemiah 8:10 – ‘the joy of the Lord is your strength’ example of prodigal son ‘The Christian should be a hallelujah from head to foot.’ (Augustine)

O Joy, that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain: That morn shall tearless be.

‘the fruit is … joy’ Paul was chained and cheerful You can be joyful even though you are a Christian!