John 15:11
11These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
Scripture Testimony Index stories for this passage
Hudson Taylor found great freedom and lightness of heart once he obeyed the words of Jesus to give to him who asks. At first, out of fear for his own needs, he resisted giving. But once he obeyed, he said that “the joy all came back in full flood tide to my heart.”
A poor table boy who had just given his life to Christ realized that although he had nothing to give the Lord, he could give up smoking tobacco and spare the money to give Him. That's exactly what he did, it brought him joy and his story moved his master to tears for the master had taught the table boy was resistant to the message of salvation.
A Christian lady takes her wealthy friend to visit an old bed-ridden saint living in a dirty and dark garret. Despite the unpleasant surroundings, the saint remains cheerful and reminds them that "it's better higher up," teaching us to look beyond our present circumstances and towards the joy that awaits us in heaven.