Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

‍Joy to You!

Dear Friend,  

Marie Kondo has influenced a great many people with her approach to sorting and decluttering things by asking the simple, yet profound question, “Does it spark joy?”

That question becomes even more profound when we consider the question, “Do you spark joy?”

Is joy in other people the consequence of your presence, your words, your actions?

Jesus offered a marvelous word when discussing the significance of keeping his commands, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

How marvelous to think that the infinite joy of Jesus is to live in you and that the result is that your joy may abound, be complete and full!

One of the simplest ways to impart joy is to speak of it! Speak of joy when you are with someone and especially when you end a conversation.

Instead of saying goodbye or see you, say, “I wish you joy!” or “Joy to you!” May your good words encourage the joy of the people in your life.

Joy to you - Stan

© Copyright 2021 E. Stanley Ott

Scripture from the ESV

1. What words do you usually use when finishing an email or a text or when talking with someone? Words like goodbye, see you, bye?
2. Will you try shifting your language to the more encouraging parting words: "I wish joy to you," or "Joy to you?"
3. Think of people in your life who spark joy in you. Is it just because of who they are or is it something they do that sparks joy?
4. What will you do that will shift your impact on the life of the people in your life such that you spark joy in them?

Photo by Ekaterina Shakharova on Unsplash