Bring the Joy: Joy in Relationships (Acts 13:52)

Series: Bring the Joy

Sermon: Joy in Relationships

Scripture: Acts 13:52

Date: March 31, 2019

 

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 13:52)

"I'm convinced that there's just one place where there's not any laughter, and I've made arrangements to miss hell."  -Jerry Clower

"Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things."  -Kay Warren

Let's talk about some ways to build joy in our relationships:

1. Point out God's good gifts
   • 1 Timothy 6:17
   • Deuteronomy 8:18, The Living Bible
   • Trust in the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
   • Here are a few joy assignments:
     • taste something delicious
     • look at something beautiful
     • listen to something really beautiful
     • notice a favorite smell
     • notice how things feel
   • "God intends for you to be able to weep freely and laugh uproariously, just as Jesus did."  -Kay Warren
2. Express affection
   • Romans 16:7-9, NIV
   • "Wowza.  Christian Twitter (is that an oxymoron?) is a train wreck this morning.  Play nicely or there will be no Orange Hi-C or butter ring cookies today.  I can tell you right now you've already lost your moon pie privileges."  -Beth Moore
   • "In this crazy world we live in of hashtags, algorithms, following, unfollowing, liking, retweeting, posting...I hope you still realize the importance of human interaction!  A touch, a hug, a smile...those are game changers.  Those truly make a difference!"  -Leigh Anne Tuohy
   • "Started off my Tuesday with two eggs for breakfast...  You are thinking... That's ok...  It was two Cadbury Caramel eggs that I got at Walgreens while grabbing toothpaste.  Hey, don't judge me...  My diet plan just said two eggs for breakfast.  They were delicious and I'm happy!"  -Leigh Anne Tuohy
   • 1 Corinthians 13:13, The Message
   • It's a well-known fact that physical touch is crucial for us as human beings, not just for emotional health, but for our very survival.
3. See the humor
   • 2 Chronicles 21:20, NIV
   • John 9:24-33, The Message
4. Lighten someone's load
   • Galatians 6:10