In spite of

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1 : 6

...in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with joy...

the same songs are on my ipod that were on two years ago.

Sometimes when I'm listening to them I can remember sitting in the airport crying as I hear about Christ laying down his life.

but I welcomed His message with joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Did I?

I can say I sang of His mercies that lead me through sorrows to rivers of joy but I don't know if I welcomed the message with joy.

What would that look like?