Claim Joy: At a Funeral

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You don't have to be Christian to experience joy. However, the joy that is offered by Jesus is unique in that it does not depend on circumstances and it can coexist with suffering. Why? Because the resurrection of Christ changes everything!

As followers of Christ, we have a living hope because of his resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). It changes the way we experience our circumstances and how we respond to suffering. In faith, we look forward to the day when God will restore all things. But in the meantime, our suffering is not wasted (1 Peter 1:6-7). As we follow Jesus, our soul is being saved and the byproduct of this process is joy (1 Peter 1:8-9).