I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:7 NIV
More Joy
Canadians ranked number 11 out of over 150 countries on the 2021 world happiness score–not bad. This rank is decided by the countries’ performance in areas including social support and freedom to make one’s own life choices. Sense of belonging and social connections all contribute to wellbeing. In a recent poll, 78 per cent of Canadians say they are either “very” or “somewhat happy.” There is linguistic variation, with 88 per cent of Francophones reporting they are happy compared to 75 per cent of Anglophones.
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There are so many things in this life that bring joy – a wedding, the birth of a baby, graduation, the visit of loved ones – I could go on and on. In a world where we so often are bombarded by those things that steal our joy, we can lose sight of all those things that bring us joy. In the spiritual realm there is much that brings joy – just being in the presence of Jesus certainly does. Seeing God touch and heal a loved one brings joy, hearing a song of praise being sung does too. But the Bible says that there is one thing that brings the greatest joy and we read about it in Luke 15:7: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.” There is nothing that brings God more joy, nothing that brings all of heaven more joy, than when a man, woman or child repents of their sin and places their faith and trust in Jesus. Let’s share Jesus with others, and help bring joy in heaven as they, too, turn to Him. I’m Bob Beasley and these have been words from the heart.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley