On Joyful Giving

 Meditate on Christ’s words as we divulge into Joyful Giving: [7] Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you. [8] For every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. 

Joy versus Happiness

 For most, joy and happiness means the same thing. However, the two are actually quite different. We all strive for happiness in everything we do or wish to do. We often work diligently to try to obtain some form of happiness whether it be in our work or play, with family or friends. Although, joy is often misunderstood and rarely the object of our goals.

In fact, if joy was something we all strives for above happiness then happiness would naturally form as opposed to chasing happiness. Let me explain, happiness is fleeting (at least while we walk the earth) while genuine joy holds greater longevity. In the same way a chocolate bar would give me great happiness, I could easily lose my happiness if I eat too much chocolate and sour my stomach. On the other hand, joy for example could be something as waking up at 3 am to tender to a crying infant.
Now does waking up that early in the morning cause me to be happy? Most likely not but it does give joy because it is your child reminding you it is dependent upon your love and care.

Joy is something that is not in passing but long lived if properly formed and guided by wisdom; for happiness can be misguided and even deformed to take pleasure in the things that are not good nor holy.
Therefore, happiness can be good as long as it is centered in obtaining true joy first and in order for joy to be genuine, it must be for the glory of God!
“The fear of the Lord is honor, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of joy.” – Ecclesiasticus 1:11

God bless you

Nicola