Joy in the Lord

The lecture deals with the difference between sensory pleasure and spiritual joy, and affirms that true joy is the joy of the spirit resulting from a living relationship with the Lord and not from material reasons or narcissistic pride. The speaker explains how spiritual joy appears in repentance, in reconciliation, in serving others, and in sharing their joys and sorrows.

Main chapters of the lecture

• The difference between pleasure and joy: pleasure is related to the body and the senses, while joy is nourishment for the spirit and has spiritual roots.

• The varieties of false joy: the soul’s joy in sin, joy of pride, and the worldly/secular joy whose end is sorrow.

• The joy of the Resurrection: a true joy that no one can take away because it is based on the Lord’s presence with the believer.

• Joy of repentance and reconciliation: great joy in heaven at one sinner’s repentance, and special joy for the servant who brings back the lost.

• Joy of service and giving: an inner happiness arising from giving and caring for others and their success in walking in truth.

• Joy in endurance and trials: the spiritual believer rejoices in sufferings because he sees God’s work and the future fruits.

• Communal joy and sharing: rejoicing with others in their occasions is a duty of love that shows the unity of the body and is a spiritual mindset not merely social appearances.

Practical faith teaching

The lecture calls the believer to examine daily the source of his joy: is it the Lord or worldly causes? It also calls to rejoice in repentance, and in others’ success in truth, and in toil of service, and affirms that this joy produces perseverance and a compassionate spirit capable of bringing people to God.

For better translation support, please contact the center.