[Sissy]

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness, 6) goodness, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, 9) self-control; against such things there is no law.



2) joy, - chara (χαρα) - a delighted, unstopable cheerfulness emanating from deep within the soul and having no bearing on circumstances or situations.

This is the noun form of the verb chairo (χαιρω), which means "to rejoice, to shout for joy, to make loud, joyful noises."

Chara emanates from deep within the soul in response to simply being in relationship with God. The implications are that it is the natural, expected result of being in God's presence, and that it so consumes us that we cannot contain it - it must flow out in joyful shouts, in celebration of heart, soul, voice (in song and shouts) and body (in worship, dance, and simple "leaping for joy").

Since chara is an outflowing of our relationship with God, it has no bearing on natural circumstances or outward situations. It is, in fact, a function of grace in that it is not a natural state, nor is it similar to the natural emotion of joy (which is an outflow of our current situation), but is a "gift" from God emparted by the Holy Spirit. This means that we can experience chara while mourning the loss of a loved one, while experiencing a setback in job or career, while enduring persecution or while any other normal emotions are threatening to overwhelm us. How much we do or do not experience chara has nothing to do with our situation, but is a direct result of how close we have drawn to our Heavenly Father. The more we turn to Him, the more His Holy Spirit envelopes us, and the more we are filled to overflowing with HIS joy.



Grace and peace to you,

Rhomphaia