What Jesus teaches about Happiness
Introduction
In our pursuit of happiness, we often chase the temporary pleasures of this world, overlooking the eternal fulfilment offered by Christ. It’s through Christ’s teachings that we are shown where true happiness and peace lie – not in possessions or achievements, but in a profound, personal relationship with our loving Creator.
So let’s journey together into the scriptures and explore what Jesus teaches us about true happiness.
Bible Verse: Matthew 5:3-10 – The Beatitudes
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Meaning
These verses, known as The Beatitudes, are at the heart of Jesus’ teaching about true happiness. In this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus essentially flips our worldly understanding of happiness on its head. He emphasizes that earthly wealth, success and power do not inherently bring happiness. True blessedness and happiness come from recognizing our dependence on God (poor in spirit), displaying humility (meek), having a thirst for righteousness (righteous hunger), showing mercy, maintaining a pure heart, being peacemakers, and standing strong in the face of persecution.
This is a profoundly countercultural and challenging message. It urges us to rethink our values and priorities in the pursuit of happiness.
Actions to Take
- Reflect on the Beatitudes daily and assess how they could apply to your life.
- Approach each day with a desire for righteousness, a heart full of mercy, and a spirit that is humble and pure.
- Repair broken relationships in your life and strive to be a peacemaker.
- Find ways to show mercy and kindness daily.
- Stand strong in your faith, even in the face of adversity.
Journal Prompts
- In what ways can you embody the values of the Beatitudes in your everyday life?
- How can you better prioritize these values over worldly views about happiness?
- Think about a time when you stood strong in your faith, despite adversity. How did that experience strengthen you?
Prayer
Dear Lord, fill my heart with the understanding of true happiness as taught by Jesus in the Beatitudes. Help me to earnestly desire righteousness, to show mercy, to harbor a pure heart, and to be a peacemaker. Let me remember that my strength comes from You, especially when I face hardship for the sake of righteousness. Your kingdom is my ultimate reward and source of happiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
- “True happiness isn’t found in worldly possessions, but in the teachings of Jesus – The Beatitudes”
- “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Where do you find your happiness?”
- “Jesus taught us that true blessedness comes from a humble heart, a thirst for righteousness, showing mercy, and facing hardship for what’s right #Beatitudes”
Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings about happiness, as reflected in the Beatitudes, ask us to recalibrate our understanding of happiness. Real happiness transcends worldly success and lies in embodying the values Jesus taught – humility, righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and standing up for what we believe.
As we continue our study together, let’s keep these words close to our hearts, and strive each day to live out the principles of true happiness. Join us next time as we further explore God’s word here at BGodInspired.com.
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about what Jesus teaches about Happiness
Q: What does Jesus teach about the source of true happiness?
A: Jesus teaches that true happiness comes from a relationship with God, living according to His commandments, and serving others.
Q: How does Jesus connect happiness with blessings in the Sermon on the Mount?
A: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays out the Beatitudes, which connect happiness or blessedness with attitudes and actions such as being poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, showing mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and enduring persecution.
Q: According to Jesus, can material wealth bring lasting happiness?
A: Jesus taught that material wealth does not bring lasting happiness. In Matthew 6:19-21, He warned against storing up treasures on earth, but rather storing treasures in heaven, implying that spiritual riches lead to true happiness.
Q: How does Jesus’ teaching of ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ reflect on the pursuit of happiness?
A: Jesus taught that true happiness involves loving our neighbours as ourselves. This focus on selfless love and service to others rather than self-centered pursuits is a key part of Jesus’ teachings on happiness.
Q: What did Jesus teach about the role of suffering in happiness?
A: Jesus taught that there can be happiness even in suffering. In Matthew 5:10-12, He said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” suggesting that facing trials for one’s faith can bring joy and heavenly reward.
Q: What did Jesus mean by ‘finding life by losing it’ in relation to happiness?
A: Jesus taught that by losing our life for His sake, we find it. This means that people who give up pursuing their own desires and instead live in obedience to God’s will, serving others, will find true happiness.
Q: According to Jesus, how does forgiveness relate to happiness?
A: Jesus taught that forgiveness is key to happiness. By forgiving others, we experience freedom from resentment and bitterness, which leads to inner peace and joy. This is reflected in his statement “blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” in Matthew 5:7.
