Joy: Is it more than a feeling? (Part 2)

This is a continuation of Joy: Is it more than a feeling?

Biblical joy has purpose; it is not pleasure for the sake of pleasure.  Notice that the wise men were not seeking honor and "treasures" for themselves; they bowed down and gave gifts.

Matt 2:10 When they [the wise men] saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy (εχαρησαν χαραν – echarēsan charan – G5463 G5479). 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

We may not associate giving thanks with joy, but in Greek, there is a connection.  The word eucharisteo (G2168) means "to be grateful, feel thankful, give thanks."  This word is derived from chairō (G5463) which means "to rejoice."  Does Biblical joy always involve gratitude?

Matt 15:36 And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks (ευχαριστησας  – eucharistēsas – G2168), broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude.

Luke chapter 15 is full of joy.  Notice how the characters in the parables express joy— they call together friends and neighbors, they kill the fatted calf, there is music and dancing.

Luke 15:4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing (χαιρων – chairōn – G5463). 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice (Συγχαρητε – Sygcharēte – G4796) with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy (χαρα – chara – G5479) in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:8 Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, “Rejoice (Συγχαρητε – Sygcharēte – G4796) with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!” 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy (χαρα – chara – G5479) in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Luke 15:11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.... 17 But when he came to himself,... 20 And he arose and came to his father.... 21 And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22  But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry (ευφρανθωμεν – euphranthōmen – G2165);... 25 Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.... 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry (ευφρανθηναι – euphranthēnai – G2165) and be glad (χαρηναι – charēnai – G5463), for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’

In the following text, the phrase highly favored one translates charitoo (G5487) which means "to make graceful, to peruse with grace, compass with favour, to honour with blessings."  It is derived from charis (G5485) which means grace; charis is derived from chairō (G5463) which means "to rejoice."  Does Biblical joy always come from grace— the favor of the Lord is with us?

Luke 1:28 And having come in, the angel said to her [Mary], “Rejoice, highly favored one (Χαιρε, κεχαριτωμενη – Chaire, kecharitōmenē – G5463 G5487), the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 

Notice how we are to "leap for joy."  Biblical joy is not hid "under a bushel."

Luke 6:23 Rejoice (χαιρετε – chairete – G5463) in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

In the following text, Jesus gave sight; the Greek word charizomai (G5483) means "to show one's self gracious, kind, benevolent, to give graciously." Charizomai is derived from charis (grace) which is derived from chairō which means "to rejoice." What is the connection between joy and kindness, benevolence and grace?

Luke 7:21 And that very hour He [Jesus] cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave (εχαρισατο – echarisato – G5483) sight. 

In the following text, the same word echarisato is used to mean describe forgiveness.  Is there a connection between joy and forgiveness?

Luke 7:42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave  (εχαρισατο – echarisato – G5483) them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”

Is it Biblical to rejoice and praise God quietly? Is that an oxymoron?

Luke 19:37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice (χαιροντες – chairontes – G5463) and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen,...

In the book of John, Jesus gives a long discourse just before he was crucified.  See John 14:28; 15:11; 16:20–22, 24; 17:13.  In these texts he says a lot about joy.  How is that possible in the context of what was about to happen?

John 16:20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy (χαρησεται – charēsetai – G5463). 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy (χαραν – charan – G5479) that a human being has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice (χαρησεται – charēsetai – G5463), and your joy (χαραν – charan – G5479) no one will take from you.

How is it possible to be joyfull in adversity?  What is the connection between believing and joy?

1 Pet 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice (αγαλλιασθε – agalliasthe – G21), though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible (αγαλλιασθε χαρα ανεκλαλητω – agalliasthe chara aneklalētō – G21 G5479 G412) and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

How is John's joy similar to those that Jesus described in Luke chapter 15?

3 John 4 I have no greater joy (χαραν – charan – G5479) than to hear that my children walk in truth.