Joy.

Jesus has done something (spoken) so that we may have joy.

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11)

"But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves." (John 17:13)

Joy should be our default setting. Our joy is to be abundant, exceeding, and complete. And it can be because it comes from God through Jesus.

"And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation." (Romans 5:11)

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)

"For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh," (Philippians 3:3)

It's definitely a 'spirit thing' which is why we see joy listed as 'fruit of the Spirit' in Galatians 5. As with peace, patience and love; joy takes place when we are 'in Christ' or 'in the Spirit.'

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. " (Galatians 5:22-25)

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:1-4)

"And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 13:52)

"But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

"Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand." (2 Corinthians 1:24)

"And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit," (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2-3)

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

If you have any doubt why these wonderfully inspired followers of Jesus were writing, John makes it perfectly clear.

"And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:4)

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (3 John 1:4)

"Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:17-18)

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

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