Essay

Image descriptionFind True Happiness

By William Pelrine Jr.

I have frequently asked myself the above question many times over the years. I believe I found the answer both in the scriptures and the dictionary. One of the passages in the Gospel according to Matthew in The Holy Bible tells us what it takes to be happy. This passage is best known as "The Beatitudes". In this passage, in the English translations I am familiar with, Christ uses the word "blessed" nine times.

I looked up the definition of blessed in the American Heritage Dictionary and found that one of the definitions is, "Bringing happiness, pleasure, or contentment".

As you read the following teaching of Jesus you may substitute the word "happy" for "blessed". I hope you will believe this teaching of Christ and find the happiness in your life that I have found in mine:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the

kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil

against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in

heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

(Matthew 5:3-12)

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.