The Radically Joyful Life

Jesus Christ, God's Word in the flesh, lived a radical life that was fueled by a divinely anointed joy from the Spirit of God. As mentioned in the previous devotional, this joy of Jesus is rooted in a ministry of reconciliation where He lives to re-unite humanity with our Creator. But even more than that, He wishes for this same joy to dwell inside of all those who place their faith in His eternal work on our behalf. As mentioned previously, Jesus "is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 12:2). And it is His absolute joy to do so.

If the joy of the LORD is meant to dwell inside of us and fuel our lives, then what exactly does a radically joyful life look like for a follower of Christ?

1. A radically joyful life is rooted in God's abiding love through Jesus.
2. A radically joyful life is led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
3. A radically joyful life is pleased to live in obedience to God's Word.
4. A radically joyful life is marked by bearing the image of God in a godless world.
5. A radically joyful life is fueled by ministering to others in a way that points to reconciliation with God.

What fascinates me about this radical way of living, is that it cannot be accomplished in isolation from community. What I mean is, while our relationship with God is deeply personal, it was not designed to be private. We cannot experience the fullness of God's joy or love without walking in intimate community with His people, Christ's Church. Our love is sanctified and our joy is expressed within the Body and Bride of Christ. As the world encounters God's people living in unity through the abiding love of God while overflowing with the divine joy of the Lord, they are able to witness visible and tangible images of the otherwise "invisible" God.

What is the result of living indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God, abiding in the love of God, and expressing the divine joy of God within His Body of the church? Ultimate peace. Which is the next fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul in Galatians 5. First was the fruit of love. Next was the fruit of joy (discussed throughout this month). And next is the fruit of peace, which we will be discussing throughout the month of April.