HOW TO BE HAPPY

 

memory verse for this unit

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6, NIV*).

objectives of this unit

This unit will help your students:• Understand that if they are humble and gentle, they will find happiness• Discover the joy of having a good relationship with God• Learn that happiness is found through forgiveness and mercy• Find consolation in the promises of God if they are persecuted for their faith.

the reason we teach this unit

The search for happiness is a common goal of people. However, many, in trying to find it, go astray on the wrong paths. On the other hand, the true meaning of happiness has been misunderstood, substituting it for riches, pleasure, well-being and power. According to the prevailing ideology in some societies, happiness depends on money, social status, job success and interpersonal relationships. Due to this, it is not unusual for pre-adolescents to have egocentric attitudes, thinking that happiness is determined by popularity, purchasing power or clothes. However, the Bible offers us a completely different perspective. Self-centeredness is not a new problem. It also reigned in the days of Jesus. At that time, people sought happiness in a hectic way as is done in many places today. Jesus taught that we are happy if we have a good relationship with God and with our neighbor. Pre-adolescents should know that the secret to having true happiness is obedience, love, humility, righteousness, mercy and forgiveness.

The core of our faith and life is to love God and to love others. Thus we seek relationships that honor God and edify the Body of Christ. When an expert in the Law questioned Jesus regarding the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:35-40), Jesus' reply is two-fold: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And, the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus further affirmed: "All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments." However, this is an unconditional love which is made possible only through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Everyone committed to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) should be engaged in relationships that honor God and edify the Body of Christ. Yet, sin has sabotaged God's desire for personal relationship with us. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ came to reconcile us to God as well as to restore full relationship with God and others. One aspect of discipleship requires us to nurture and sustain our personal walk with Jesus. Another aspect is reaching out to others in Jesus' name. Both require careful and frequent checkups.

* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™