The true Christian is a happy person. Being a Christian means having a new happiness never before known by that person. The Christian is not happy because he has money. He is not happy because he owns many earthly things. The Christian is happy because he belongs to God and Jesus. He knows God and Jesus love him.
One of the natural fruits of becoming a Christian is happiness (Galatians 5:22). The first Christians ate their food with gladness and singleness of hearts (Acts 2:46). When Philip established the church in Samaria it caused "much joy in that city" (Acts 8:8). After the Ethiopian eunuch was baptized, he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). In spite of persecution, the disciples of Acts 13:52 were filled with joy.
One of the worst things a Christian can do is live in unhappiness. Some Christians always complain and are never thankful for anything. Not only are they unhappy, but they make people around them unhappy. The sinner looks at such Christians and says, "If living for God is that bad, I will never be a Christian!" Unhappy Christians have never found the true spirit and meaning of Christianity.
Paul tells Christians to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). There are many great things to cause the Christian to rejoice. He is happy because he no longer has a bad conscience. All of his guilt and shame has been destroyed by God's forgiveness. He is happy because he is at peace with God. Since he is not God's enemy, he does not fear God. He is happy because he has new hope. He lives in the hope of being a pure person in this world. Since death cannot destroy him, he has the hope of always living with God. He also has the hope of the joys of heaven. The Christian is happy because his life has new purpose and meaning. He has a reason for living that no one can destroy. Above all, he is happy because he knows he is loved. God loved him enough to give His Son to save him. Jesus loved him enough to die for him. He is happy because God and Jesus are the best friends he has.
The Christian finds many ways to use his happiness to bless others. He brings his happiness into his home and his family is blessed. He takes his happiness to his friends and they are blessed. He takes his happiness to work and his labors are blessed. He takes his happiness to church and shares their happiness, too. His whole world he lives in will become a better world because he is a happy Christian.
If you are a Christian, you have a new happiness. Fill your life with this new joy, and share your joy with everyone.
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