Some people bring joy when they come into a room. Others bring joy when they leave. Which one are you?

We cannot emanate joy to those around us if we do not have the source of joy in our hearts, can we?

Ps 16:11 - "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore."

In the presence of Jesus, what do we find? We find fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Love, joy, peace, contentment, mercy, compassion, patience, and long-suffering abound. If we emulate His character, we manifest these attributes to those around us. We cannot help but bring joy and happiness to the people around us.

"A cheerful Christian leaves the world a brighter and better place each night because he has reflected the cheerful and radiant beams of Christ's righteousness. A smile is contagious and brightens the lives of all within the circle of one's influence. But a sour disposition and a frown on the face can change the moral climate of a home or an office. A kind word can lift up the wounded spirit but an unkind word can leave the human spirit crushed." --Morning Manna, Page 203.

"The tongue of the just is as choice silver..." Prov 10:20.

"The talent of speech was given to be used for the benefit of all. Pleasant, cheery words cost no more than unpleasant, moody words. Sharp words wound and bruise the soul. In this life everyone has difficulties with which to wrestle. Everyone meets with grievances and disappointments. Shall we not bring sunshine instead of gloom into the lives of those with whom we come in contact? Shall we not speak words that will help and bless? Such words will be just as verily a blessing to us as to those to whom they are spoken." --Our High Calling, Page 294.

"The mouth of the just bringing forth wisdom..." Prov 10:31, and "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

"The most persuasive eloquence is the word that is spoken in love and sympathy. Such words will bring light to confused minds and hope to the discouraged, brightening the prospect before them. The time in which we live calls for vital, sanctified energy; for earnestness, zeal, and the tenderest sympathy and love; for words that will not increase misery, but will inspire faith and hope. We are homeward bound, seeking a better country, even an heavenly. Instead of speaking words which will rankle in the breasts of those that hear, shall we not speak of the love wherewith God hath loved us? Shall we not try to lighten the hearts of those around us by words of Christlike sympathy?

"Those who love Jesus Christ will contemplate His character, meditate upon His words, practice His precepts, and become living missionaries. The words they speak will be like "apples of gold in pictures of silver." Prov 25:11.

"How important it is that we speak to those around us only those things which will give spiritual strength and enlightenment! Let us seek to lift souls to Jesus, whom having not seen we may love, and be filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Our High Calling, page 319.

"It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in contact with the world. Every man or woman who has received the divine illumination is to shed light on the dark pathway of those who are unacquainted with the better way. Social power, sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, must be improved in bringing souls to the Saviour. Christ is not to be hid away in the heart as a coveted treasure, sacred and sweet, to be enjoyed solely by the possessor. We are to have Christ in us as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life, refreshing all who come in contact with us." Ministry of Healing, Page 496.

When we have the fragrance of the character of Jesus in our lives, we have His joy like a fountain bubbling and springing up in our hearts refreshing those around us. And what is to be gained by having the joy of the Lord? Nehemiah 8:10 says: "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

The Joy of the Lord