Where does the joy come from?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I saw a T-shirt that said J is for Jesus and Joy. Most of my friends see J for Jesus as Judge. Where does the joy come from? – G.J.
A: People saw in Jesus a quality of life they had never seen before, and they wanted to experience it for themselves. When they looked at Him, they saw joy and peace and kindness – and most of all, they saw God’s love.
Even as Jesus faced the cruel cross, the Bible tells us, “Jesus … who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV). Jesus said to His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, NKJV).
As humans, we have two great spiritual needs. The first is forgiveness, which God made possible by sending His Son into the world to die for our sins. Our second need, however, is for goodness, which God also made possible by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, which gives us joy.
If we are to live the way God means for us to live, if we are to become more like Christ, if we are to travel our journey wisely, with joy, then we need both God’s forgiveness and goodness. We need the work of Christ to change us, and we need the work of the Holy Spirit in us. To the great gift of His forgiveness, God adds the great gift of His own Spirit. As someone wisely said, “I need Jesus Christ for my eternal life, and the Holy Spirit of God for my internal life.”
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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