Joyfully Loving Others

"A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." 

Proverbs 17:22

Everyone you meet has faced, is facing, or will face some kind of difficulty in this life. That's just the way it is. 

John 16:33 says, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

What does that verse, if discerned correctly, mean? If we are in Christ, if we are living for Him, it is GUARANTEED that we will have tribulation. What is the definition of tribulation? Tribulation, as defined by Merriam-Webster goes as such:

*unhappiness, pain, or suffering: an experience that causes someone to suffer. 

*distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; also :  a trying experience.

When we know of someone who is feeling down or come across a stranger whose countenance seems low, our obligation is to cheer them up or even better, to pray or weep with them (Romans 12:15). How many of you believe that the devil enjoys us being in a state of depression or worry? Why do you think he enjoys it? Because we become ineffective for the Kingdom of God! So many times life can throw us curve balls, but as children of an Almighty God, it is our responsibility to help others emotionally and to keep ourselves focused on Christ. In our flesh, it is not natural to wake up every morning cheery, but we can trick our minds (which are still carnal) into thinking that today is going to be a good day. Guess what? That's a good thing. Focus on that mindset and it becomes contagious to those around you. 

So next time you hear of someone is who feeling down, give a phone call, text or even a visit to that individual. Let them know that you are praying for them or better yet, take time to pray with them whether it is over the phone or in their living room. Believers need to keep one another uplifted and distracted from the devil's schemes. We also need to show our merry hearts to the lost around us. You never know when our cheerfulness might rub off on an unbeliever. So be merry today and bless those around you! Shine with that beautiful smile!