The second fruit of the Spirit listed is joy—a word often associated with gladness and delight. While joy is frequently tied to specific events, such as a parent celebrating their child’s graduation, this type of joy tends to be temporary, fading as circumstances change.
True joy, however, is different. It is internal, unshaken by life’s ups and downs, and is a gift from God. As Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
When it comes to finances, joy plays a critical role in how we handle money. Let’s explore a few ways joy connects to our financial lives.
Joy in Knowing God Is Our Provider
Knowing that God is our provider should bring us great joy. Jesus reminded His disciples not to worry about life’s necessities, assuring them that God would meet their needs. As He said in Matthew 6:25-26, “Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
During times of financial stress, it’s easy to let worry steal our joy. But in these moments, remembering God’s past faithfulness can restore our peace. I can personally attest to this—when my husband was laid off, and our income dramatically decreased, my first thought was that God would provide. Even in uncertainty, I felt joy and peace knowing He was in control.
When you face financial challenges, take your needs to God in prayer. Jesus promised, “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24).
Joy from Helping Others
There’s also joy in sharing our resources with those in need. Acts 20:35 teaches, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” If you’ve ever helped someone less fortunate—whether providing a meal for the hungry or offering relief after a disaster—you’ve likely experienced the satisfaction and joy that comes from easing someone else’s burden.
God calls us to care for the poor and promises to bless those who obey. Deuteronomy 15:10 says, “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” This promise should fill your heart with joy, knowing that your generosity brings blessings.
Furthermore, God delights in those who give with a cheerful heart. As 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds us, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Future Joy for Faithfulness
We also look forward to the joy of future rewards in heaven for our faithfulness in giving. Jesus taught that we should store up treasures in heaven by being generous on earth. As He said in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
When we care for others, we are building treasure in heaven. Jesus further emphasized this in Matthew 25:31-36, explaining that when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and care for prisoners, we are serving Him. These acts of kindness lead to eternal rewards and deepen our joy in Christ.
Finding Joy Through Generosity
As we trust God to provide for our needs and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in giving, we experience true joy. This joy is not found in accumulating wealth, but in living out God’s call to be generous and compassionate. When we honor God with our finances, we discover contentment and peace, no matter our circumstances.
Susan's Reflections 
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