Spreading Joy

Philippians 4:4-5

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

JOY IS CONTAGIOUS. Unfortunately, so is discouragement. In fact, almost all of our attitudes are. Studies have shown that the emotions of one person can affect the emotions of everyone else in the room—even when no words have been spoken. One agitated person spreads agitation; one angry person spreads anger; one peaceful person spreads peace; and for better or worse, each emotional contagion moves on. Patterns are established not by which emotion is best but by which is strongest. The one who carries the stronger attitude or emotion influences those in his or her path.

On the surface, that research confronts us with all the times we have been swayed by people with dominant personalities. But it also presents us with enormous opportunities. Think about it: If the peace inside you is strong, you can walk into an unsettled room and pacify it. If the joy you carry is greater than the disappointment of those around you, you can lift them up out of their discouragement without even saying a word. Or to put it in an often-used metaphor, you have the opportunity not just to be a thermometer that measures temperature but a thermostat that sets it.

You have much greater influence than you may have believed. And you have a biblical mandate to use that influence for good. Scripture commands joy, and though your circumstances may not be joyful, you have the opportunity to enjoy God and the climate of his Kingdom to its fullest. Not only do you benefit from the truth of God’s joy, but the people around you will too. In fact, your joy may be the first true glimpse of the Kingdom they have experienced—and their gateway into deeper experiences of it. Living in the fullness of the Kingdom—its joy, peace, love, satisfaction, and more—is the greatest testimony of its reality you can offer.

{Lord, I have to confess that my bad moods and bitter attitudes have misrepresented your Kingdom and distracted people from your truth. Renovate my heart. Fill me with peace, joy, and love. Create the climate of your Kingdom in me so I can create it for those around me. Amen.