I've got that joy, joy, joy

Magnets either draw things toward themselves or drive them away depending on which side is exposed.

In the same way, our lifestyles and our attitudes are either a magnet or a repellant for other people concerning the gospel we claim to believe. Christians should draw people toward the truth of the gospel by the way we live, not drive people away!

Titus 2:1-15 NLT

As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers.[a] Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes,[b] to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.

11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

This entire chapter contains Paul’s instructions to Titus, a pastor of a congregation in Crete. Paul’s advice specifically addresses how Christians should conduct themselves, especially in our general attitudes toward each other. Verse 10 sums it up nicely: believers should behave in such a way “that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”

Believers should be known for their joy, not because our lives are without trouble, but because our ultimate hope is founded on the unchanging nature of God.

Unfortunately, too many people who claim to be Christians are known for joylessness, complaining, and treating others harshly. They have a reputation that is least like Jesus and more reflective of

We shouldn’t slap a fake smile on our faces, but if we are in Christ, the joy of the Lord should certainly be something we are characterized by, even in the trials and sorrows of life.

As believers, we can’t blame our tendency to be negative, critical, or complaining on our “personality,” that’s really just a cop-out. We are all called and equipped to live “self-controlled, upright and godly lives” (v. 12). The fruits of the Spirit are the same for every Christian. The joy and gentleness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives transforms every personality into the image of Christ and into the very best version of ourselves.

“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of:

bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11, The Message)