For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness,
peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14.7
Paul wrote this in the middle of settling an argument about food.
The church was fighting over what people could eat and couldn't eat, and he stopped them
with a reminder that the kingdom is bigger than their rules.
Then look at what he lists—righteousness, peace, and joy.
Joy made the short list of what God's kingdom actually consists of.
Most of us treat joy like it's a bonus feature, something that shows up when the rest of life
cooperates.
But Paul treats it like it's a load-bearing wall.
It belongs to life under God's rule, right alongside being made right with Him and being
at peace with Him.
And catch those last words—in the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit grows joy in you, and your part is just staying close to Him.
Here's what I want you to do today—ask the Holy Spirit to grow joy in you this week.
Let's see what happens.