#3 in the Series: Fruit of the Spirit

Life is full of challenges, heartaches, sorrows and tears, as well as happy times and great joy. We wonder why God allows suffering, but oddly enough, that is usually when we learn the most. We can learn by reading books, through travel, by formal education and even when chatting with others. Some of this helps us move forwards in life, while others can lead to bad friendships or disaster. The question is ‘can we have joy in the midst of suffering and tears?’. The Bible says a resounding YES to this. One clear example is the cruel sufferings inflicted on Jesus, yet He suffered for us while experiencing “the joy that was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2) and because of His deep love for each one of us.

Bob explains the difference between ‘natural joy’ and ‘spiritual joy’, and how we can feel joyful and sorrowful at the same time. He uses many examples to help us to understand and take this on board. He then links it into our desires, and how God helps us in our struggles. Struggling, especially when our desires are not in alignment with God’s desire for us. Unexpected joy will often come as a huge surprise when it happens during suffering, and it can provide a lasting and overwhelming, overflowing joy in us, regardless of our circumstances.