You can also download a free, full-color version of this discussion guide from the real life website.
1. How often are Christians expected to rejoice?
St. Paul tells us, “Always rejoice” (1 Thessalonians). Ask your group whether they always rejoice (the answer will, of course, probably be “no;” if someone says “yes,” ask for their secret!), and then use this to lead into the next question on how our culture actively—albeit, unintentionally—works against rejoicing.
2. How does our culture work against our ability to grow in joy?
There are two things you can emphasize: 1) our consumer-based culture is based upon being dissatisfied with life—advertising attempts to convince you that your life is inadequate without their product or program membership; and 2) as the “Carry It Into Daily Life” sidebar quote from Elder Macarius shows, even good things—like family—are inadequate for a fully joyful life. Ask your group to discuss some of the things the culture around them says will bring joy, and how these things fail to bring true joy.
3. What will bring true joy?
Emphasize Blessed Augustine’s answer: only God. You can bring in the point that the relationship among the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is joyous, and we can also rejoice in God.
4. What are three facets of joy that we can experience through our relationship with God?
In the study guide we mention rejoicing in God’s goodness to us; rejoicing in our relationship with God and His Church; and being optimistic and courageous during bad times. Be sure to remind your group that we will be talking in greater detail about these things as we go through this study on joy.
5. How can you summarize in one sentence the relationship between God, people, and joy?
Read St. Paul’s benediction from Romans 15:13. You can break this down for your group: God fills us with joy and peace because we believe in Him, we can therefore abound in hope, and we can do so through the power of the Holy Spirit. Emphasize how much this promise should fill each of us with true joy.
