Joy, as represented by the Greek term *chara* (G5479), holds a significant place among the fruit of the Spirit, listed second after love in Galatians 5:22. In the Greek New Testament, this term dominates as the primary word for joy, appearing 205 times in Scripture across various contexts. Unlike happiness or pleasure, which are often pursued and produced by human effort, biblical joy is defined as a God-given sense of satisfaction and well-being, a calm delight that persists despite life's difficulties. It shares roots with grace, suggesting it is a divine gift rather than something achieved through worldly means. This joy is distinct from laughter or happiness, which can stem from evil motives or temporary circumstances, and instead arises from a deep relationship with God. It is inseparable from godly love and depends on the quality of one's connection with Him, providing the strength to endure the challenges of living in a troubled world.

In the New Testament, the Greek word *chara* (G5479), the noun form of joy, appears 51 times. Initially, through Acts 13:52, its first 23 occurrences describe an emotion, where people express gladness about something that has happened, as seen in Luke 6:23: "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven." However, starting in Acts 13, a shift occurs in the usage of *chara*. Of the remaining 28 appearances, half connect joy with trials, suffering, and persecution, reflecting a deeper understanding as the church matured and faced greater challenges. *Chara* is listed as the second fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22, indicating it is more than a fleeting emotion or forced positivity. It emerges as a character trait, refined through adversity, embodying a calm delight or cheerfulness rather than ecstatic exuberance. This joy often manifests after trials, not during, as a peaceful satisfaction in having endured and grown, recognizing God's refining process in shaping us to be more like Him.

The New Testament is replete with references to joy, a defining characteristic of the early church. In the Greek language, the verb for rejoicing, *chairein*, appears 72 times, while the noun for joy, *chara* (G5479), occurs 60 times. This frequent usage underscores that joy was not merely a technical concept confined to theological discourse but was often used as a simple greeting, meaning "joy be with you." While this greeting was not exclusive to Christians, as seen in the letter to Felix about Paul in Acts 23:26, it held deeper significance in Christian speech. For instance, the angel announcing Jesus' birth to the shepherds in Luke 2:10 spoke of "good tidings of great joy" for all people, far beyond a mere salutation. Similarly, Jesus Himself in John 15:11 expressed His desire that His joy remain in His disciples, so their joy might be full. In the early church, joy was evident in greetings and writings, such as the letter from the Jerusalem church to Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia in Acts 15:23, and in James' epistle, both beginning with *chairein*, meaning "Greetings." Paul, in Philippians 4:4, urged believers to "Rejoice in the Lord always," emphasizing the importance of joy. Jesus also addressed this need for joy in His prayer in John 17:13, stating that He spoke these things so that His disciples might have the full measure of His joy within them. This indicates that joy is rooted in a mature understanding of God's Word, where trust in Him fosters a lasting, peaceful joy, unaffected by circumstances. True joy, as intended by God and His Son Jesus Christ, is permanent and not derived from temporary material or physical sources.