True joy and happiness are found in living according to God's plan, which includes showing mercy, having a pure heart, being a peacemaker, and standing firm in the face of persecution.
Today, we're going to talk about something we all want - happiness. But not just any happiness, we're talking about the real, deep-down, soul-satisfying happiness. You know, the kind that doesn't depend on how many likes you get on Instagram or whether your crush texts you back. We're talking about the kind of happiness that comes from God.
We're talking about the kind of happiness that comes from God.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. That's like saying, if you're the kind of person who forgives others and shows compassion, you're going to be happy. Think about it. When you hold onto grudges, it's like carrying a heavy backpack around all day. But when you forgive, it's like dropping that backpack. You feel lighter, right? That's mercy. And that's happiness.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. When your heart is clean, like after you've asked Jesus to forgive your sins, you start seeing God everywhere. It's like putting on a pair of 3D glasses at the movies. Suddenly, everything pops! You see God's love in your friends, in nature, in the kindness of strangers. And that's a happiness that no movie can match.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. When you've got peace with God, you can help make peace between your friends, your family, even that kid at school who gets on your nerves. And guess what? Making peace feels good. It's like solving a puzzle or finishing a tough level in a video game. You did it! And that's happiness.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. That means even when life gets tough, even when people give you a hard time because you're living for Jesus, you can still be happy. It's like being on a roller coaster. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, but you're strapped in, safe and secure in Jesus. And that's a crazy kind of happiness.
So, here's the deal. God's plan for your happiness isn't about getting more stuff or being popular. It's about being merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker, and standing strong for Jesus. And that's a happiness that lasts.
God, help us find our deepest happiness in you. Let your love and joy overflow from us into our world. Even when life gets tough, help us remember that we're safe and secure in you. Amen.
1. How can showing mercy to others increase our happiness?
2. How does having a pure heart help us see God at work in the world?
3. Can you share a time when you were a peacemaker? How did it make you feel?
4. How can we find happiness even when we are persecuted for doing what's right?
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