“By which they have made You glad” (Psalms 45:8)

Christ is made glad by the Church, His Bride. “Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her … that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27.

You make Him glad by your love.“Oh”, you say, “not my feeble love”. Yes, your love is probably feeble, and it’s good that you confess it, but, no matter how feeble, it’s sweet to Christ. Hear His words: “How fair is your love, My sister, my spouse! How much better than wine is your love” (Song of Solomon 4:10).

You make Him glad when you come to Him.Christ delights in you. When you lean your head on His bosom, you not only receive joy,  but you give it; when you gaze with love at His face, you not only obtain comfort, but impart it. Your praise, too, gives Him joy - not the song of the lips alone, but the melody of the heart, saying all day, “thank you Jesus, praise you Jesus.”

You make Him glad when you give gifts to His Church. He loves to see you use your time, talents, and money for the Kingdom of God. “God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).

You make Him glad when you obey Him.  Holiness is a love-offering to Him. Forgive your enemy, and you make Him glad; give to the poor, and He rejoices; be the means of saving souls, and you give Him a priceless gift; proclaim His Gospel, and you’re a sweet savor to Him.

You make Him glad when you’re willing to suffer for His sake. “They were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).“Share with me in the sufferings for the Gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8). “Rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13).