Joy is experienced inwardly, while happiness is expressed outwardly. Living in a troubled world, we want our joy to last for as long as possible. But we know that this is just wishful thinking, for our joy can be easily replaced by sadness or sorrow very quickly. Our joys are temporal, may it be a joyous occasion like marriage, relief from a sickness or even possession of a new item. It is because these are based on worldly things. So, what is the greatest joy on earth for a Christian?

A Christian’s greatest joy on earth must not be based on himself or this world. According to Paul in Philippians 2:1, the basis of this joy is of Christ; and it is real, for a Christian’s life is in Christ.

1. “consolation in Christ”: As Christians, Christ is near us and will never leave us. This knowledge keeps us joyful. And we are happy to share Christ with all.

2. “comfort of love”: During adversities or when people treat us badly or respond negatively to us, we will not feel slighted or bitter because of God’s love for us, and our love for God. We will be joyful when we do all things for the love of God. Our emotions, therefore, are not based upon situations or people’s responses toward us. The love of God is untouchable and never dies or diminishes.

3. “fellowship of the Spirit”: The fellowship of the Spirit is unending and eternal. It cannot be taken away. And as the Holy Spirit indwells in us, He will lead and guide us in our daily lives, and provide for all that we need. Thus, we can remain joyful daily.

4. “bowels and mercies”: Bowels refer to inner affections, even for one’s enemies. Mercies refer to the withholding of deserved punishment. As sinners, we have experienced the love of God and His mercies. We must then have affection towards others, and will show mercies to those who have wronged us. In the process, we promote Christ, and we will have joy in our heart.

Every Christian can experience all the above four facts while on earth, as they are given by God; and thus he can have the greatest joy on earth. Having that joy, Paul went on, in Philippians 2:2, to exhort the Philippian Christians to be likeminded, and to have that one mindedness in the church, “striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil 1:27).