Having Joy: A Way to Bless Others

Be joyful always.

Rejoice in the Lord always...

Give thanks in all circumstances...


I was thinking today about these verses, and I know I should do these things, but today I thought about why.

I realized today that when someone is not being joyful, that person is actually being selfish by focusing only on self. If someone is not being joyful or enthusiastic about life or some situation, then he/she is probably either complaining (to him/herself or out loud) or just being "meh" or "blah" about life or that particular situation. So how's complaining or being unenthusiastic about things selfish? Think about where attention is being drawn.

When people complain, they draw attention to themselves and also surround everyone else around them with a negative attitude*.

Being just "meh" prevents others from seeing reasons to praise God. It keeps the focus on self and feelings*, not on blessings, others, or God. It is an attitude that says life is not good and there is no reason to smile. That attitude does not show or surround others with love or encourage them with joy. It also does not show them that they are a joy to be around and worth rejoicing over (It's no fun to be around someone who is not happy to see you).

Being joyful, especially during trials, is a way to bless others. They can be surrounded with an attitude of thanksgiving and happiness. Others can draw off that joy and be encouraged to find delight in what blessings they do have. Being joyful and thankful is an attitude that acknowledges blessings and blessing others and most importantly, acknowledges God.



Verses quoted above: 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Philippians 4:4 , 1 Thessalonians 5:18

* There is a time to be sorrowful and pour out your heart to close friends and share your troubles. Life has difficulties after all. Just remember to look out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).