How your joy can show others the way
May 17
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. - Acts 13:48
Cyprian of Carthage, one of the early leaders of Christianity in the third century, had just become a believer in Jesus Christ. Shortly after his conversion, he penned a letter to his friend, Donatus, where he wrote about what drew him in,
“It is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of our sinful life.
“They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are the Christians—and I am one of them.”
Joy… what an amazing difference it can make in the life of an unbeliever. Throughout history, we find that what has drawn many people to a relationship with Jesus Christ has been the unspeakable joy Christians show when facing hard times.
Yes, joy can brighten someone’s day. But more importantly, it can light the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ. Be joyful in all circumstances and through your actions, you’ll show others what it means to know the Lord!
Prayer Challenge
Pray and ask God to let the joy and peace you experience light the way to eternal life to others.
Questions for Thought
Why do you think living with joy in the face of tough circumstances is such a powerful way of showing others the grace of God in your life?
How has the joy of others in the past helped give you a deeper desire to know God?
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