JOY

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (2 of 12)

The Greek translation of joy is CHARA, derived from the word CHARIS, which is the Greek word for GRACE. This is important to note, for it tells us categorically that chara is produced by charis of God.

This means joy is not a human-based happiness that comes and goes. Rather, true joy is Divine in origin. It is a Spirit-given expression that flourishes best in hard times.

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NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REFERENCES

For example, in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, the Thessalonians were under great stress due to persecution; yet, in the midst of it all, they continued to experience great joy: "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the holy Spirit…"

According to Nehemiah 8:10, "The rejoicing of the Lord is your strength."

Hebrews 12:1-2 words it this way: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God."

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

(CCC) REFERENCES

There are 46 references to JOY in the CCC. Click HERE to review them (available on line only).

Those listed below are taken from the Index:

as the fruit of the Spirit, 736, 1832; of heaven, 1029-30; impediments to, 2094; of the poor, 2546; sources of, 30, 163, 301, 1804, 1829, 2015, 2362; Sunday as the day of, 1193.