The Lord has given us insight and instructions in His Word on how to be joyful in a world system that wants to rob it from us.
It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 21:15
Unfortunately, some individuals in the church like to get close to those in power for personal gain through flattery, perceived loyalty, or showy performance in the hope of getting in the “right” positions. If we are in leadership positions, we need to be very discerning of people’s motives. Flattery or perceived loyalty can feed the ego of a leader and cause him/her to show favor to some unfairly. This becomes the beginning of a road to partiality if we are not careful.
God hates partiality and differing scales, and He tells us to avoid them (See Proverbs 24:23 & Proverbs 20:10). We need to be aware of “Hamans” in our lives who may look good and loyal to us, but they are unkind and rude to others (Esther 3:1-6). God is a God of justice, and He expects His children to represent Him well on the earth. When make the effort to be impartial and just, it brings great joy to us because we know God is pleased and our conscience is clear of any offense. Others are also blessed because they can feel safe with our leadership and know that we are not blinded by flattery or loyalty!
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Luke 15:1-12
Ultimately, the fullness of joy will come from opening our hearts to love. When we love God and love others, it increases our capacity for joyfulness!When we can let go of an offense that has tightened our hearts for so long, our hearts open up to love again. We cannot hold on to bitterness and love at the same time. If we don’t love, we will begin to lose our joy. Love & joy are interconnected because they are both the evidence of fruit of the Spirit. It seems that love is the catalyst to all the other fruit of the Spirit!
