Pursuit of Happiness - Part 15

It seems my Pursuit of Happiness series for our weekly email and blog seems to keep going and going…

So many cool things to share with you! Here is number 15!

Maybe I should write a book???

I have learnt that there are things out there determined to rob me of happiness.

It is like they have an inbuilt ability to go beyond what they are on their own, to take even more control over happiness for us.

You don’t have to live long in this world before you find someone out there who does something wrong to you and hurts you. From out and out evil things to something  seemingly simple like an insult thrown at you.

I regularly see people on social media commenting about how surprised they have been when someone close to them causes them hurt.

Jesus understands! I can say that because He really does!

Imagine if everyone you loved deserted you at your most vulnerable time in your life.

Imagine if a group you had entrusted to teach and love others let you down by going against you.

Imagine if the people you created and loved beat you to death.

When you think about all that...it makes one of the last things Jesus says before dying kind of ‘out there’…

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 22:34

Jesus seemed to be able to forgive even in the most

painful and trying of circumstances.

Even though He had every right to be unforgiving and angry He goes in the complete opposite direction.

That is amazing and a miracle even on its own.

Colossians 3:13 says… Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

A guy called Fredrick Buechner said this…

“When you forgive somebody who has wronged you, you’re spared the dismal corrosion of bitterness and wounded pride. For both parties, forgiveness means the freedom again to be at peace inside their own skins and to be glad in each others’ presence."

You and I are the same…

You know in your heart like me that holding onto hurts and anger doesn’t help much at all.

Forgiveness is a key to finding happiness in life.

Maybe this week, you and I should take the time to check our hearts. Take the time to be honest. 

And take the time to forgive whoever we need to...to add happiness back into our lives.

Something challenging to think about…