Spread Joy
Laughter is good medicine and has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, strengthen the immune system and reduce pain (https://www.Helpguide.org). Solomon confirmed this in Proverbs and described the opposite of joy as a crushed spirit which dries up the bones. We can say that the opposite of joy is grief and sorrow.
Grief is a legitimate response to loss and hurt and it is a healthy human response. Grief should not be avoided and people need support and positive human connections to respond to grief. People don’t need to be told to, “be strong, look at the bright side or it could be worst.” People experiencing grief need genuine empathy, a listening ear and a response that says, “I may not understand but I am here to listen. Please let me know what I can do to help.” People need time to grieve and only the person experiencing the grief and loss can determine how long they need.
Outside of people who are genuinely experiencing grief are people with “Martha type” personalities. Some people consider themselves pessimists and see the glass half empty rather than half full. You can often guess that a call or text message from some people will be to share some bad news. There is a genuine need for authentic relationships that offer mutual support and friendships where we can share difficulties. We have to ensure that these relationships are well unbalanced.
Consider before you press forward if that message will increase the other person’s stress levels or send them some joy. Do you share inspirational and encouraging messages as well? How do you leave people feeling after your conversations and encounters with them?
Most relationships are not 50/50 and some people are naturally more optimistic and resilient than others. Nevertheless, we have to be considerate and intentional. We need to try when we can to spread some joy and gladness to others. Become a carrier of the grace, peace and joy that comes from walking in relationship with Christ Jesus. This will encourage people to seek after God in order to experience the fruits that come from our relationship with him.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages. View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
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