I love to make people happy, don’t you? Occasionally someone says an action or gift is too much. My frequent response: “Don’t steal my joy.”

Don’t steal my joy tells people to allow us to do something special for them.

If they love our gifts, it fills us with joy. We delight in helping them or offering acts of kindness.

We don’t want them to say it is too much. Or that we should not do it. We want them to accept it and enjoy it as much as we enjoy sharing.

Neither should we steal anyone else’s joy.

I almost did that recently. A friend brought thoughtful gifts for my husband. They would make his life and mine much easier. When I wanted to pay for them, she responded with a smile, “Don’t steal my joy.” She had heard me say that and enjoyed the opportunity to say it back to me.

No one can steal the joy we find in Jesus.

Jesus offers us the gift of forgiveness, a future home in heaven, and joy whatever our present circumstances.

People may mistreat us. Troubles may surround us. Life may throw us for a loop, and our emotions may tumble. Nevertheless, Jesus fills us to the brim with everlasting joy. Nothing and no one can take that away.

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven” (Luke 6:23 NIV).

Thanks to Carol Edwards for the suggestion. Image by Christiane from Pixabay.

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