speaking of joy and grace

Found this to be incredibly uplifting - it has opened up the knowing of Him and Who He is even more.

Except for a small handful of exceptions in the New Testament, the words translated "grace" and "joy" are one and the same and/or from the same root word.

Wow! Take John 1.16 for instance:

"And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."

grace - charis -
1) grace
a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech
2) good will, loving-kindness, favour
a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues

Think of it - we have received that which affords joy, etc, from Him - in Him - in fullness.

John 15.11b "... that My joy might remain in you, and your joy might be full."

"joy" - chara - from the same root word as charis - "grace".

It reminds me that HE is JOY - HE is Delight, Sweetness, Charm, Loveliness, Loving-Kindness - and so on and so on.

He is not angry, mad, keeping an account of our failings, emotionally cold and distant - making a list and checking it twice.

He rejoices over us with gladness and rejoices over us with singing.

Yes, Lord - rejoice on!