The “deeds of the flesh” are in opposition to the Spirit of God.  (See the devotional for Tuesday, June 7, 2011)
The followers of Christ have been given God’s Holy Spirit…therefore we have the fruit of the Spirit within…we need to mature and grow as we exercise this fruit.

There are nine fruits listed as if they were one fruit…
(NASB) Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.”

Joy…delight, happiness – can be some of the words defining the meaning of joy.
True joy is dependent on God, sent from God, given by God to all who admit they need to be saved.

Jesus said:
(NASB) John 15:9-11 “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.
10 ‘If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
11 ‘These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

Jesus equated love with joy…knowing Jesus loves you ~ Joy!
Jesus invites you to abide in His love ~ Joy!
The world cannot give you lasting delight or true happiness…but Jesus can ~ Joy!

With joy, followers of Christ can live each day in His love.  When you love God…you will want to please Him…by obeying His words.

 

Jesus wants you to experience the fullness of His joy in your life…