No 4

(Joy and peace)

Some virtues are a direct result of our salvation experience. Joy and peace are two of these such virtues and are listed in the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22.

JOY

The joy that we experience when we are newly saved cannot actually be described. It is a sensation of freedom because our sins are forgiven and it is also a feeling of happiness because we know that we are loved by the Creator. The Bible says that we cannot lose our salvation (Jude 1) but that we can lose the JOY of our salvation (Psalm 51:12). We are to cultivate our joy in the Lord! How? The answer is in 1 John 1:4 : "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full". We must read and meditate God's word.

PEACE

Here is another virtue that is difficult to describe. We have this inner peace that can almost be felt because of the knowledge that we are saved and on our way to heaven and the security we sense, is beyond words. So now, that's all very well to have peace and joy; but what are we to do with them? Just go around with a happy face? I don't think so. Tell me, what happens when you come across something fabulous? You tell everyone about it, right? Well, there you go!! Tell all your friends and enemies about Jesus and what He can do for them; you'll see, your joy and peace will always be at their highest level.