Joy And Holiness

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

In the Middle Ages, people called the Flagellants, would walk through the streets whipping themselves. They believed that beating themselves made them more spiritual, and that being miserable equated to holiness. Thus, they aimed to achieve a greater state of misery. We don't see people today whipping themselves. However, this belief still exists. Many people believe that holiness is a constant state of somberness and misery; that the holiest existence is to put on sackcloth and ashes and put away every possible joy in life. There are times of weeping and mourning, but being miserable is not a fruit of the Spirit. A fruit of the Spirit is joy. Joy is of the Lord and the nature of righteousness, the only appropriate response to the Gospel. Joy in the Lord is not only allowable; it's holy. The more joy of the Lord you have in your life, the holier you'll be. Rejoice in the Lord, because joy is holy. rn

From Message #854 - The New Covenant Joy Secrets