A genuine smile on the face reflects the gladness in the soul. For those who belong to Christ, a smile can represent a deeper gift from the Lord—true joy. Sometimes it’s hard to maintain a smile when life keeps hammering us down with trials and circumstances we can’t control. Yet as believers, we have the joy that wells up within through the Holy Spirit. We are compelled to move forward in spite of difficulties. If you are a Christian, here are 7 reasons to smile today:
#1) We smile because we are loved unconditionally.
“For great is your love, higher than the heavens” (Psalm 108:4).
Worldly love is shallow and lacking in authenticity. In contrast, the love of God for His people is deep and unwaveringly in spite of our faults or failures. He loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners. Those who belong to God never have to doubt His love even in difficulties—the love of God will pour out generously on those who receive Him.
#2) We smile because we have hope beyond our circumstances.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
Hope isn’t easily defined because we can’t capture it in a bottle to reveal its substance. Yet the hope we have in Christ is real and generates our faith to believe when all seems hopeless. Through the Holy Spirit our hope comes alive so that faith in God becomes apparent in our words and actions. Our hope in God rests on His promises revealed in the Scriptures.
#3) We smile because greater is Jesus within us than the devil in the world.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
The persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ is more evident due to the raging anger of Satan and his demons. In the midst of great suffering, many of these precious saints of God hold on to their faith and refuse to deny Christ. While on the surface it may seem that good is losing out to evil, but the truth is that the Good News is being spread all over the world in spite of the devil’s evil plans. Greater is the power of Jesus in the weakest of saints than that of the strongest of demons.
#4) We smile because we are called for a higher purpose in the Lord.
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9).
Generations of people struggle to find their purpose in this world. Many resort to extreme measures to feel alive and meaningful. If only they would turn their energies to seeking out the Lord, then they would find their highest calling for life. The Holy Spirit drives God’s people towards a holy calling that brings the satisfaction of a purposeful life. Living for the Lord instead of living for self-pleasure will bring the peace and joy that truly satisfies.
#5) We smile because we are completely forgiven.
“When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions” (Psalm 65:3).
There are no words adequate enough to describe the feeling of being completely forgiven. At the moment of salvation, we are set free from our sins—no longer chained to guilt, regret, or shame. Through the Holy Spirit, there’s a refreshing, cleansing peace from God confirming that we are covered by the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood. For believers there’s freedom in their faith walk that allows them to accomplish great works in the name of Christ.
#6) We smile because we are a part of the body of Christ.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).
In a world of constant division and strife, there’s joy and peace found with believers united by one Spirit. As a result we can love, support, encourage, and build each other up in Christ. There’s a spiritual connection of brotherly and sisterly love that is deeper than those of biological or cultural ties. Our strength is based on our united faith in God’s power and direction.
#7) We smile because we have a home in heaven.
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
Our earthly lives pale in comparison to the richness of glory and grace revealed in heaven. How could we not smile at the prospect of living in a place of complete joy and beauty? As believers we must resist the temptation to let our eyes sink only to the happenings of this world, but instead remain expectant to our future home in heaven. The Holy Spirit ignities the hope of heaven in the hearts of those who belong to God.
Smile…
A smile is a universal sign of happiness. There’s great joy that believers can bring to their homes, work, schools, or communities when they smile. Because of our great hope in Jesus Christ, we bring the joy in the manifestation of smiles everyday. Smile today, child of God…you are truly blessed.
Article by Crystal McDowell
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.
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