What brings you joy? Your family? A job promotion? Losing ten pounds? What do you think brings God joy?


The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin show us clearly how to bring joy to the heart of God – and everyone has the ability to do it. It’s as simple as repenting from sin. Repentance involves a change in our perspective which leads to a change in our behavior. When we view sin as seriously as God views it, we realize what an affront it is to His holiness and how destructive it is to us. It’s why He sent Jesus. Our repentance not only benefits us; it brings God joy.


But the parable of the lost sheep tells us something else about God’s heart. It tells us what does not bring Him joy. Apart from Christ, any righteousness we think we have is nothing better than filthy rags. When we go through life thinking we do not need to repent, God is unimpressed.


We bring joy to our Father when we turn to Christ. And because we are the joy set before Him as He endured the cross, He delights in us.