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How Do We Live Out Joy With Others?
As we follow Jesus and learn to express joy personally, God also provides for us relationships in which to live out joy.
All of us have relationships around us. We have family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even strangers. Regardless of their relationship status to us, there are specific people God has put directly into our lives for a reason, and we are called to express joy to them because of what Jesus has done for us.
Some examples of this would be for us to be joyful in relationships through loving others well (1 Corinthians 13:7), to be joyful as we train up the children God has put in our lives (Proverbs 22:6), or to honor our parents with joy (Exodus 20:12).
As we follow Jesus and love others, we have an incredible opportunity to refresh the saints (Philemon 1:7) and to make an impact on those who do not yet know Him by the way we love them and do no wrong to them (Romans 13:10). What a joy and privilege that God has given us people to minister to. He sees us fit to bring the good news of the Gospel to so many people and has equipped us with the Holy Spirit to do so!
For Families with Young Children
Read Philemon 1:7. KIDS, What are some ways that we can live out the joy that comes from belonging to the Lord with those around us? What does this verse tell us can happen when we share our joy with others? (it can renew the hearts of God’s people)
Read Matthew 2:1-12. KIDS, What did the wise men do when they saw the star? (they were filled with joy) Why do you think they were filled with joy? Before they saw the star, their hearts were probably sad. They may have even felt a little discouraged. They had been on a long journey searching and when they got to Jerusalem, where they expected to find Jesus, He wasn't there. So, when the wise men saw the star they had been following reappear, there was no way they could not be filled with joy!
Some days we may feel a little discouraged in our journey, but we have so much to be filled with joy about. Let's take time to share that joy with those around us!
About this Plan
The birth of Christ, His advent, marks God's ultimate plan for our redemption. In Christ, we see the fullest picture of God's hope, peace, joy and love. God's Word is the truth by which we know and walk with Him daily. It is our hope that this guide will encourage and facilitate personal time spent in the Word and provide a resource for families with children to do that together.
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