Steve Ross Supporter Plant Manager

Interesting thought. In my studies I don't recall God looking into our lives to see if the real fruit of our lives is happiness, although there are references about happiness in relation to right living.

I see a more important emphasis on holiness and Joy, Lev. 20:26,1Pet.1:16. Happiness is an emotion based on good situations,where as holiness should be present in all situations and Joy is an inner peace knowing God will never leave us or forsake us and His promises are eternal. Joy for me is often the the realization that I'm walking in His will, no matter what the situation is around me, it may not even exhibit itself with a smile on my face even though there is peace in my heart.

My gut reaction to emphasis on happiness for the Christian comes from an awareness of false teaching about how much the Lord wants us to be happy which really is not an emphasized much in the realm of Holy living. Contentment being more important as we walk with Him. 1Tim. 6:6

June 12 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

I believe that yes, in so many words the Bible does command us to be happy, but this can only be done in the power of the Holy Spirit. And His power works best in the "weak" Christian who yields himself/herself to Him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!". 
Psalm 32:11 says, "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" 

Psalm 100:1 records, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." 

Finally, Matthew 5:12 quotes Jesus as saying, "Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

13 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report