Some people learn this lesson in families with loved ones who experience depression and want others to experience their sadness, attempting to manipulate others into their state of mind and spirit.
Some people learn this in dysfunctional families which exhibit great negativity and criticisms.
Some people learn that there are those in the work place who want others to be unhappy because they are unhappy.
Those who are in sin or darkness do not want Christians to have hope in God. They do not want anyone to feel real joy. Some Bible passages indicate how we are to respond to questions as to why we are joyful. Note verse 15 of 1 Peter 3 below. St,. Peter understood what it was like to live among the grumpy and hateful. He was martyred.
Remember, the demons from hell want you and I to be miserable with them for all eternity and will use others in their clutches to try destroy our faith. This is why it is so important to have good Catholic, orthodox friends-for support against the spirit of the age.
The hatred of joy is the hatred of the good and the beautiful. I think of the saints who were so beautiful and joyful, such as St. Gemma Galgani, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, St. Philip Neri and more, like the Carthusian Martyrs, one of whom is St. John Houghton.
To be joyful in the face of negativity and gloom is our call in the world today.
Douay-Rheims
8 And in fine, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.
11 Let him decline from evil, and do good: let him seek after peace and pursue it:
12 Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers: but the countenance of the Lord upon them that do evil things.
13 And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good?
14 But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear, and be not troubled.
15 But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.
16 But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer, than doing ill.
