Joy That is Grown, not Chosen

Joy That is Grown, not Chosen

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Galatians 5:22-23 (VOICE)

The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this.

I’ve heard it said: “Choose joy!” Seems like a noble phrase at first glance. But a closer look at Galatians 5 and the clear instruction of the Apostle Paul reveals that in fact, things like love, joy and peace are not choices; they are gifts. They are FRUITS that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives as we remain in Him.

So, in truth, joy is not something we summon at will but a fruit that grows naturally in our lives as we abide in God’s presence.

An orange tree does not TRY to grow oranges. It does not CHOOSE it. It simply grows what it is. When your life is in Christ, what you grow is the fruit of Christ’s righteousness. That’s what the Holy Spirit produces. So, we do not CHOOSE the fruit, we simply choose to be PLANTED in Christ. He does the rest.

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Reflect on how true joy springs from a deep relationship with God, nurtured through prayer, worship, and obedience. Consider the ways in which God desires to fill your life with His joy as you seek Him earnestly.

As we cultivate intimacy with Him, joy blossoms within us, regardless of our circumstances. Let us surrender the need to manufacture joy and instead focus on deepening our connection with the One who fills our hearts with His joy. And then buckle up for a bumper crop of the fruits of His Spirit.