Avoid "Joy Stealers"

An outstanding attribute of a person’s identity is choosing to be a giver of joy. Do you consider yourself a “joy giver”? If not, giving joy could be an objective you begin to practice for the benefit of others and for yourself as well. To achieve this goal, confront any attitude that holds others at an emotional distance making joy-giving impossible.

 

Joy and a critical attitude are incompatible. To give joy, banish any semblance of criticism and negativity from your thoughts and feelings. These are “joy stealers”. Keep joy consistently in your thoughts by sharing it with others as opportunities arise. A rose isn’t an expression of love until it’s given with love.

Refuse to be preoccupied with resentment. Instead, present these thoughts and feelings to Christ Jesus, and he will empower you with enough grace to love others regardless of their offense. To increase your feelings of joy, continually express thanksgiving for what God has provided. Rejoice always in the love and mercy of Christ Jesus.  

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Don’t criticize and speak evil about each other, dear brothers [and sisters]. If you do, you will be fighting against God’s law of loving one another, declaring it is wrong. But your job is not to decide whether this law is right or wrong, but to obey it.

~James 4:11 The Living Bible

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

~Hebrews 12:14-15 New Living Translation

It is wise to be patient and show what you are like by forgiving others.

~Proverbs 19:11 Contemporary English Version