God doesn’t just want us to be holy; he also wants us to be happy.
We all want to be happy… but how can we attain it amidst the many challenges life brings at us?
Many people have succeeded in happiness by following the simple yet magnificent advice that the Bible offers. Here’s a list of worthwhile biblical guidelines to follow in the pursuit of happiness:
1. Be righteous
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who begets a wise son will be glad in him.” – Proverbs 23:24
2. Don’t be haughty
“As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17
3. Be joyful
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
4. Be patient
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” – Romans 12:2
5. Be honest
“Live uprightly all the days of your life, and do not walk in the ways of wrongdoing; for those who act in accordance with truth will prosper in all their activities.” – Tobit 4:5-7
6. Be merciful and just
“I command you, serve God faithfully and do what is pleasing in his sight. Your children are also to be commanded to do what is right and to give alms, and to be mindful of God and to bless his name at all times with sincerity and with all their strength.” – Tobit 14:9
7. Have integrity
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11
8. Accept trials and persevere In temptation
“Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12
9. Have faith
“Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” – 1 Peter 1:8-9
10. Have empathy
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15
11. Accept suffering
“And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5
12. Enjoy every moment
“In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that mortals may not find out anything that will come after them.” – Ecclesiastes 7:14
13. Trust In God’s providence
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” – Psalm 37:4-5
14. Promote peace
“Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.” – Proverbs 12:20
15. Be consoled
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” – Psalm 94:19
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