The route of happiness

Joy and generosity

HOW FREQUENTLY DO YOU FEEL THE HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS MEASURED IN TERMS OF GOODS OR WEALTH? Driven by this vision, millions of people work long, exhausting hours to earn more money. But do money and property bring lasting happiness? What does the evidence suggest?

According to the Journal of Happiness Studies, once our basic needs are met, more income does little to improve our overall happiness or sense of well-being. The money itself is not the problem. It is "the pursuit of [money] that is linked to unhappiness," says a Monitor on Psychology article. These words reflect this advice given in the Bible almost two thousand years ago: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of harmful things, and some people have it. . . they were stabbed all over with great pain. "(1 Timothy 6: 9, 10.) What can these pains include?

Worry and loss of sleep because wealth must be protected. "Sweet is the dream of the needy, they eat little or a lot, but the wealth that belongs to the rich does not allow them to sleep." - Ecclesiastes 5:12.

DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN THE PROMISED HAPPINESS DOESN'T ARRIVE. In part, this disappointment is due to the fact that the desire for money cannot be satisfied. "A lover of money will never be satisfied with money, nor a lover of wealth with an income." (Ecclesiastes 5:10.) Additionally, the hunger for wealth can cause a person to sacrifice important things that promote happiness, such as precious time with family and friends or in spiritual pursuits.

PAIN AND FRUSTRATION WHEN MONEY OR AN INVESTMENT LACK OR WITHDRAW “Don't tire of making money. Stop and show understanding. When you look at him he is not there because the wings will surely sprout like an eagle and he will fly. --Proverbs 23: 4, 5.

QUALITIES THAT PROMOTE HAPPINESS

SATISFACTION. “We haven't brought anything to the world and we can't achieve anything. So, having food and clothing, we will be happy with these things. "(1 Timothy 6: 7, 8.) Happy people do not want to complain or complain, and their attitude protects them from envy. And because your wishes do not exceed your possibilities, unnecessary anxieties and tensions are saved.

GENEROSITY. "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." (Acts 20:35.) Generous people are happy because they like to make others happy, even if all they can give is some of their time and energy. They often earn in abundance what no sum of money can buy: love, respect and genuine friends, who give generously in return! --Luke 6:38.

PUT PEOPLE BEFORE THINGS. "Better a plate of vegetables where there is love than a big bull where there is hatred." (Proverbs 15:17) What's the point? Loving relationships with others are more valuable than material wealth. And love, as we will see later, is vital for happiness.

Sabina, a South American woman, learned the value of Bible principles. Abandoned by her husband, Sabina struggled to get what she and her two daughters needed. He had two jobs and got up at 4 a.m. every day. Despite her busy schedule, Sabina decided to study the Bible. The result?

Its economic situation has practically remained the same. But his outlook on life has improved considerably! For example, you have obtained the happiness that comes from meeting someone's spiritual needs. (Matthew 5: 3) He found true friends among other Christians. And he experienced the joy of giving, of sharing what he had learned with others.

"Wisdom is justified by its results," says the Bible. (Matthew 11:19;) On this basis, contentment and generosity, besides putting people first, are fully justified!