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EMOTIONAL ISSUES: Joy, not Happiness


Icebreaker:

What is the longest vacation you have ever taken?
What is the shortest vacation you have ever taken?

Overview:
Our family is experiencing a sorrowful season with the death of two family members in four months. We are sad but we still have joy. We have the hope and promise that one day we will be reunited with our loved ones who lived for Christ. The sorrow will soften and sweet memories will remain. Our joy is not based on our circumstances but on the One that fills our spirit with the fruit of His Spirit.

Discussion:
Read John 16:16-24, Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

What was Jesus trying to explain to the disciples?
What does “a little while” mean to us?
What is the difference between joy and happiness?
On what is our hope based?
How does the Holy Spirit give us joy?
What tries to steal our joy?
Why is our joy untouchable?

Prayer:
Pray for more of the Holy Spirit and more JOY!

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