For followers of Jesus, rejoicing isn’t just what we do, it is who we are. We rejoice continuously in what Jesus has done for us. He paid for the price of sin which we could never pay. By proving what He accomplished, He rose from the dead conquering death for everyone who follows in His footsteps.
2 Timothy 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
When you make rejoicing a lifestyle, it affects everyone around you. When anyone asks me,”How are you?” I always answer,”Fantastic!” People tend to giggle when I respond like that. My response is from the spirit and not the flesh. How you react and respond affects everyone around you, especially when you don’t react as they do. I have been growing up more and more to respond with kindness, rather than a harsh words. It’s the goodness and kindness of God that lead men to repent. If all you do is react like everyone else, how do they see Jesus in your life?
1 Peter 3:9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing.
Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Paul told the church in Philippi and the church of the Thessalonians to rejoice. James in His letter told the brethren to count it all joy when they fall into various trials. It’s not about what you are going through, but what Jesus went through to make you someone new. My friends, let your life, your light, be an epistle for everyone to read. Let your life be an example that Jesus is still alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Be blessed, my friends.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
