Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved.

From John 3:16-17:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him.”

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.