The difference between toxic positivity and Christian joy.
Have you heard of toxic positivity?
VeryWell defines it like this:
Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. It's a "good vibes only" approach to life. And while there are benefits to being an optimist and engaging in positive thinking, toxic positivity instead rejects difficult emotions in favor of a cheerful, often falsely positive, facade.
The truth is, life is hard. And the Apostle Paul knew this firsthand. Roman jails weren't like staying at a Marriott hotel! When Epaphroditus came to help, he nearly died. Sadly, some preachers even attempted to make his imprisonment worse (Philippians 1:17)!
Paul is comfortable expressing his difficulties, his sorrows, and his struggles.
Yet at the same time, his letter to the church at Philippi is bursting with joy.
As we announce the gospel online, we may experience painful pushback. (Though we probably won't go to jail).
So how can we demonstrate an honest joy in our online conversations?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Dr. David Garland comments on this passage, writing: 'Since joy is commanded, it is not a feeling like happiness. It is a mental attitude, a life stance. Whereas happiness depends on what happens, joy does not. Joy derives from a conviction that, despite present circumstances, God is in control and will save those who belong to Christ. Joy derives from the Philippians' union with Christ, the promise of the resurrection, and their partnership with one another.' How would you define joy?
What specific circumstances or challenges keep you from joy?
How do you identify if someone else's posts reflect a joyful heart?
What's the difference between toxic positivity and Christian joy?
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