Help others have a joyful heart (10 mins.)
We live in times when keeping our spirits high can feel like swimming against the current. Uncertainty, illness, loss, and disappointment make many people—even within our congregations—feel that each day is a difficult burden to bear.
And we're not talking about superficial sadness. We're talking about deep emotional pain, trials that exhaust body and soul. The Bible, with its practical wisdom, recognizes this internal struggle.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 15:15
For the one who suffers, every day is evil, but the one who has a joyful heart enjoys a continual feast.
A joyful heart doesn't require luxuries, exotic vacations, or a fat bank account. All it takes is that inner spark to make even cloudy days feel like a feast.
But of course, when we're in the midst of a trial, how can we regain that joyful heart? And even more so, how can we help others regain it when they've lost it?
Today we will talk about three ways we can achieve this:
1. Being hospitable to those who are having a hard time.
2. Offering simple but meaningful words and gestures.
3. Giving comfort with the Word of God at the right time.
Be hospitable to those who are having a hard time.
Job, a man who faced trials far beyond what most of us could imagine, was not only upright and faithful, but also hospitable. And even if we don't have his wealth or position, we can imitate his spirit. Romans 12:13 exhorts us to follow the path of hospitality.
Now, such hospitality doesn't require linen tablecloths or luxurious meals. The Bible gives us a realistic and beautiful perspective.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 15:17
A plate of vegetables where there is love is better than a fattened bull where there is hate.
In other words, what matters isn't what's on the table, but what's happening between the people sitting around it. A simple meal with someone who's sad can be like a warm light in the midst of a storm. And if we don't have time to cook, a cup of coffee, a cup of tea, or a simple snack at home can open someone's heart and make them feel supported, valued, and heard.
Hospitality can also mean inviting someone out for a walk, sharing a Bible study, or simply offering them a safe space where they can vent without judgment. A cheerful look and encouraging words can go a long way.
Do you consider yourself a shy person? Do you think you don't know what to say? Don't worry. Cheering someone up doesn't require an eloquent speech. Sometimes a glance, a smile, or a sincere "How are you today?" is all it takes.
James 1:19 encourages us to be quick to listen. And that means more than just hearing words: it means being present, attentive, and emotionally available.
Offers simple but meaningful words and gestures.
Let's remember the case of Henri, a young brother who had seen several of his relatives, including his own father, stray from the truth. His spirits were rock bottom.
What did a circuit overseer do? He invited him to a coffee shop. Not to give a sermon, but to listen.
Henri was able to talk, to vent, and through that safe space, he came to a powerful conclusion: the best way to help his family was to remain faithful. That's comfort in action!
LET'S READ PROVERBS 15:23
A man feels joy in giving the right answer, and how good is the word spoken at the right time!
A comment delivered at the right moment can be more effective than a thousand pieces of advice given too late. So don't underestimate your ability to be an instrument of encouragement in another's life.
Provide comfort with the Word of God at the right time.
Many of us have experienced what happens when someone shares a fitting reading, a soul-stirring Kingdom song, or even a lovingly quoted verse with us. Those moments are etched in our memory.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 15:30
Radiant eyes fill the heart with joy, and good news revitalizes the bones.
Have you ever noticed how someone can light up just because they feel you've seen them, greeted them, noticed them? That "sparkle in the eyes" the text mentions is real and comes from genuine human contact.
The apostle Paul also advises us in Colossians 3:16: "Keep teaching and encouraging one another in psalms, hymns of praise to God, and spiritual songs sung with thanksgiving. Sing to the Lord in your hearts." Yes, singing also brings comfort.
Remember when Paul and Silas were in prison? Acts 16:25 says they were praying and singing at midnight. Why? Because they knew that the joy that comes from God's Spirit doesn't depend on circumstances, but on the state of one's heart.
You can be a ray of light.
Let's go back to the beginning. Proverbs 15:15 tells us that for those who suffer, every day is evil, but it also says that a cheerful heart is like a continual feast.
What if you were the chef of that emotional feast for someone else? What if you set the table of hope with hospitality, wise words, and spiritual comfort? You don't need great resources. You just need love, attention, and willingness.
Let us remember:
1. A simple dish can be more nutritious than an expensive dinner if accompanied by love.
2. A smile can open a heart that has been closed for days.
3. A biblical word can be the medicine the soul is waiting for.
So, dear brother, dear sister, do not underestimate the power you have to bring joy back to another.
As King Solomon said, "A man finds joy in a fitting answer, and a word at the right time is good." Today, you can be that fitting word.
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