Agape Love is expressed in overflowing joy!
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:
22 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is Divine Love in all Its varied expressions:
joy that overflows,
peace that subdues,
patience that endures (longsuffering),
kindness in action,
a life full of virtue,
faith that prevails,
gentleness of heart,
and strength of spirit (control of self).
Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
24 Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus Christ have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah.
25 If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives.
26 So may we never be arrogant, or look down on another, for each of us is an original. We must forsake all jealousy that diminishes the value of others.
Joy (Gr. chara) is Divine in origin and is from the same Greek word for grace (Gr. charis). Joy is different from happiness, hilarity, exuberance, and merriment for these are fleeting emotions. Joy is a “grace-produced” expression that flourishes even when times are tough.
Paul also wrote in 1st Thessalonians chapter 1:
6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
In other words, they became followers of the Lord’s when they received the Word with the joy of the Holy Spirit, even though it resulted in tremendous trials and persecution. Joy is supernatural and is not moved by adverse situations.
Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 16:
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.
28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced (filled with great joy), having believed in God with all his household.
What a great example of joy while under duress. How many prisoners pray AND sing hymns to GOD? FATHER responded to their joy by opening all the doors to the prison. Did they escape? No, the jailer ushered them out and took them to his house. They were put in a place to minister salvation to the jailer and his family, including baptizing them. Joy opens prison doors!
James also wrote about joy as he recorded in James chapter 1:
2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!
3 For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance.
4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
When your faith is tested and you endure the trials and afflictions, your joy will reflect the fullness of walking in THE SPIRIT.