New Testament insights on happiness?

 

What do the New Testament scriptures say about being happy?

Romans 14: “Has though faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself by what he tries or approves.”

(If we approve things that require us to have faith in God, happy are we. As the next verse says if we try things he has not approved we are not happy- what has he approved? Faith, repentance, love, forgiveness, baptism….)

1 Peter 3:14 “But if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and hope”

(Through suffering happy are ye, IF you sanctify God in your hearts (faith/repentance) and be ready to bear testimony of Him)

1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved (You), think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you (the things that have happened to you) as though some strange thing happened unto you (You are not unique in these trials):

But rejoice (agency), inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye.”

James 5: 10-11 “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure”

 

John 13:15-17 – (Jesus- After washing the disciples feet) “For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (As we love, forgive and serve one another, happy are we if we do those things)

Takeaways: As we have Faith, we Repent, we strive to serve others by loving and forgiving them, and strive not to give up by enduring on these true principles we can find growth, maturity and yes happiness. 

 

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