August 30, 2015 · Philippians 1:27–29

We're Sorry For Lacking Joy

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you only in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.

“Joy is the most infallible sign of the existence of God. So when you're amidst your coworkers and they're just grumbling and complaining, and you're a joyous person — you know what they're seeing? They're seeing God, that he exists. They may not really recognize it, but you're showing God's existence in your joy. As we walk this path, each other, those who bring us joy in our lives — like, we look at them and we're seeing the very face of God. And you can be the very face of God to others, as you allow the joy, the Spirit, to grow in you through your testings, through your trials. Helps prove God's existence. So we have this chance. We have this chance to hold on to Christ, to look at him, to start to grow in a joy which is beyond comprehension. So let's just say it. Let's say sorry for lacking joy. And then even more, let's begin to rejoice in everything. I pray for you. God, there are amongst us those who are hurting right now. They've had relationships go sour and tear them apart and hurt their hearts. They've had people take away their joy. They have loved ones who are hurting and it is very difficult right now. But God, we pray that we would be a community that would surround them with love, that we would mourn with them as they mourn. We would be there for them. We would help protect that joy, that gift that you put in them, in their spirit. We allow that, Lord God, to maintain.”