What the Bible says about Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Joy
(From Forerunner Commentary)
Solomon admits that his quest rewarded him with a certain amount of joy, but he still found it unsatisfactory. We might think that with all his wealth, good health, and a discerning mind, he would have had joy in abundance. What he accomplished, however, did not leave him with an enduring sense of well-being because his search continued after this experiment ended. He seems so frustrated that he says we should seize the joy as it comes along and be content with it (verse 24). His ultimate conclusion, found in verse 26, is that God determines whether we experience joy.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fruit of the Spirit: JoyRelated Topics: Abundance | Accomplishment, Sense of | Contentment | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Joy | Fruits of the Spirit | Frustration, Sense of | Joy | Joy, Carnal | Joy, God gives | Pleasure | Pleasure, Carnal | Pleasure, Sensual | Pleasure, Worldly | Solomon | Solomon's Discontent and Frustration | Well-being , Sense of | Worldly Pleasure
Solomon is urging this because, when God is neglected, the capacity for having joy in one's life is diminished. He is saying, "Get started now, when you're young!"
John W. Ritenbaugh
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)Related Topics: Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Joy | Joy | Joy, Carnal | Joy, God gives | Seeing God | Seeking God Early | Seeking God First | Youthful Indiscretion
The Bible has several lists of virtues. Perhaps the most noted and quoted is found in Galatians 5:22-23 as the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Within these excellent character traits, we discover the virtuous mind and nature of our Creator. We glorify Him when we, as members of the Body of Christ, display these virtues, and our efforts remind the world of the infinite power and beauty of His moral character. Moreover, our virtuous acts serve to separate us from a morally unhealthy and impure world.
The apostle Paul also encourages Timothy to pursue another special list of virtuous traits in I Timothy 6:11. Some of this list overlaps with the fruit of the Spirit while adding the virtues of righteousness and godliness.
Martin G. Collins
Excellence in Character (Part Two)Related Topics: Excellence in Character | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Faithfulness | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Goodness | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Joy | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Kindness | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Meekness | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Patience | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Peace | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Self Control | Godliness
Notice what follows because Paul is pointing out activities of those who are filled with the Spirit.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)Related Topics: Fellowship of Believers | Filled with the Spirit | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Joy | Joy