Top 10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer

Photo Credit: zenonline/Creative Commons

Generally, I’m a happy person. I willingly choose joy.

Now, does that mean I don’t experience heartache, doubt, or insecurity from time to time? Hardly. Like you, I’ve held hands with each of those at various life junctures. Some seasons have been a little more difficult than others.

Just because I’m a Christian doesn’t mean that life is always fair, kind, or easy. In fact, the enemy likes nothing better than to throw me off kilter. He revels in it.

If he can take the bounce out of a Christian’s step or deplete his/her joy, he celebrates because that’s what he’s here to do–to steal, kill, and destroy.

The great thing about being a Christian is that the enemy’s intent doesn’t matter. As a child of the Almighty King, I know that nothing can snatch me out of my Savior’s hand!

Recognizing this makes it easier, however, I’ve learned that to counteract negativity it’s necessary to be proactive.

Joy-Bearers have unique characteristics:

• Joy-bearers strike negative words from our vocabularies. Words like no. Won’t. Can’t. Never. Not now. Instead, joy-bearers choose words like yes. We will. Can. Certainly.

• Joy-bearers are not limited by the tangible. We have faith in the intangible. (Hebrews 11:1) We recognize that God’s vision and direction for our lives and those we love isn’t dependent on our frailties.

• Joy-bearers seek opportunities. We make ourselves available. New possibilities excite us.

• Joy-bearers take leaps of faith. We realize that (healthy) risks are integral to growth.

• Joy-bearers spread the love. We’re the ones who quietly “pay it forward.” We go the extra mile when it would be easier not to.

• Joy-bearers enrich others. We willingly share our time, talents, and service.  Being a blessing is our biggest motivator.

• Joy-bearers are intentional. We seek out ways to bless others. Doing the most with what little we have is our active mindset.

• Joy-bearers are approachable. We smile. We include. Our demeanors radiate the love of Christ.

• Joy-bearers are encouragers. We build up instead of tear down. We realize the power of positive thinking and the impact it can have on our sphere of influence.

• Joy-bearers forgive past hurts and move beyond them. We realize we’re not perfect. Ouch. Why should we expect others to be?

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What additional characteristics might joy-bearers have? 

Do you think it’s possible to be a joy-bearer in the midst of personal hardship?

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Photo Credit: zenonline/Creative Commons

Happy Friday and Blessings Always,