My desire today is to strengthen the connection between joy and repentance.
My desire today is to strengthen the connection between joy and repentance—more specifically, the joy that comes when we repent and the feelings of joy we experience as we invite others to come unto Christ and receive His atoning sacrifice in their lives.
In the scriptures, the word joy typically means much more than passing moments of contentment or even feelings of happiness. Joy in this context is a godly attribute, found in its fulness when we return to dwell in the presence of God. It is more profound, elevating, enduring, and life-changing than any pleasure or comfort this world can offer.
It would be interesting to explore the nuances of the word used for this scriptural joy in various languages.
Repentance is the pathway to joy because it is the pathway that leads to the Savior Jesus Christ.
For some, to think of repentance as the pathway to joy might seem contradictory. Repentance, at times, can be painful and difficult. It requires admitting that some of our thoughts and actions—even some of our beliefs—have been wrong. Repentance also requires change, which, at times, can be uncomfortable. But joy and comfort are not the same thing. Sin—including the sin of complacency—limits our joy.
Repentance and joy are tied together in a way similar to the tie between humility and faith.
When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ!
Russell M. Nelson
Repentance brings joy because it prepares our hearts to receive the influence of the Holy Ghost. To be filled with the Holy Ghost means to be filled with joy. And to be filled with joy means to be filled with the Holy Ghost.
There is the tie: joy = being filled with the Holy Ghost
Helping others repent is a natural expression of our gratitude toward the Savior, and it is a source of great joy. The Lord has promised:
“If it so be that you should … bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
“And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me … , how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!”
If we want more joy in our lives we should pursue it by seeking to come closer to the Savior and by helping others come closer to Christ. In doing so we will become aware of the connection between effort and joy as well as the connection between joy and sorrow for sin.
We speak often of the pain and suffering of Gethsemane and Calvary, but seldom do we speak of the great joy the Savior must have anticipated as He offered His life for us.
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