Read Acts 2:42-47. Have you ever met a miserable Christian? Don’t look at them if you’re sharing space with them at the moment!
The idea of a miserable Christian should be a contradiction in terms! And if you ever find yourself in a miserable church, turn on your heels and run out of the door! If you want misery, turn on the television news! The church has Good News to share, and it should make us jump for joy, even if only metaphorically! God’s church should be full of joy! We were wired to enjoy God, so connecting with him in worship should bring a smile to our faces! I’ve faced congregations who have managed to sing songs such as “God’s love to me is wonderful” looking as miserable as sin! (To be fair, most of them have cracked a smile when I’ve pointed it out to them!).
The early church found that joy. Luke said they did everything whilst praising God and enjoying the goodwill of the people around them. Joyous people attract others!
God is with us. He is for us. He blesses and strengthens us. That’s the basis for our joy. God wants us to live and worship together in love, joyfulness and hope.
THINK IT OVER
Think about the following:
oHow can you leave the people around you feeling loved and important and full of joy when they’ve been with you?
