My Bible Blog

Joy In The Work:

I feel like this blog has been primarily negative so far so I wanted to write about a more positive aspect of the Christian life. 

One day, I was texting my one Christian friend, complaining to her about how I just wanted to give it all up. All I could see was the mean looks from people when I would wear my cross necklace. All I could see was the negative news constantly surrounding our world. People swearing, being violent, being caught for human trafficking. School shootings, deaths, riots, you name it. 

Sometimes it feels hopeless, and I ask myself "Why do I even try to go against the grain?" What if I just tried to follow along. Throw away the rules that the bible taught me. Of course, I knew I could not. I love Jesus, and I know that the Holy Spirit will always be within me. Still, I have those moments of doubt. 

Like I said, in one of those doubtful moments, I texted this friend. Her reply had me stunned. She said, "Yes, it is hard, but there is joy in the work"

If I'm going to be honest, I did not believe her that day. Maybe not for a long time. But I eventually began to see the joy, to reap the rewards. Though Jesus, evidently, brings great joy to my heart, another thing that encourages me as a Christian is community. 

I believe that community can come in many forms. Maybe it's a church group for you. Maybe it's a sewing club or a few guys you go watch football and drink beers with. (Or so my father would say). However, it is undeniable. It feels good to be part of a group. When you are down, they can lift you up, remind you who you are. 

As a Christian, I find so much comfort in the community of other Christians. Even those I do not know, such as authors and speakers, still influence me. My family, my church, my friends, the work of other Christians, they inspire me. I have met so many wonderful people through this journey in my faith, and I would not be where I am without them. 

This sense of unity, which seems so rare in our current world, brings me such great joy. The reason I decided to write about this topic today is because I spent my morning volunteering at a Food Bank. 

Yes, at 7 am on a Saturday, we met, and we worked on the behalf of those in need. Together, we prayed, and we helped our neighbors. It was something that was so fulfilling to be a part of. 

I don't know much, but I truly feel that one of the greatest gifts from God is each other. Our interactions have so much power. So, I ask you today, is there someone who you can be there for? Who makes you feel loved?

Romans 15:2, NIV "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up"