Choose JoySample

DAY 29 – JOYFUL IN HOPE

Reflection: As we near the end of our first month of Choose Joy, we’ve covered joy at the first Easter, the origins of joy as part of who God is, joy in the life of Jesus, and joy in the book of Isaiah, as well as our reflections from the Psalms. Let’s return to the New Testament and see what the Apostle Paul has to say about living a joy-strengthened life.

Paul’s letter to the Roman church, in chapter 12, carries powerful instruction for the Christian life, which is to be a living, worshipful sacrifice to God (v1). Having outlined a range of gifts we all have and which we can use to serve one another, Paul then directs people to love - the same pattern as in 1 Corinthians 12, 13.

Paul lists many qualities that exemplify how we are to love each other, as seen in today’s reading. But he also seems intent on it not being a dour, dutiful, lifeless love. He calls us to zeal, fervour, and joyful hope. The Greek word used is chairó, which is closely related to grace and means leaning towards or glad for grace! Paul seems to be saying that in being hopeful, let’s do it with obvious joy because of the grace received, and lean in to each other in love.

Choose joy: To live a life of love is to be found in joy. To live a life of hope is to be joyful. Joy is both caused by love, grace, and hope, and a welcome expression of these qualities.