How do we know joy in the Holy Spirit is true?

The joy we experience as believers is not a fickle emotion but is grounded in our assurance of salvation and the truth of the gospel. Romans 14:17 states that the kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This joy is the result of understanding and experiencing the fullness of Christ's love and grace, and it manifests as both an inner conviction and expressive gratitude. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are filled with joy that surpasses worldly understanding, affirming the truth of our faith through lived experience.