Christianity stands out from other worldviews in terms of how it discusses happiness. In contrast to common Western views, Christianity does not find contentment and joy in individualism and monetary value. Rather, Christianity believes that a personal relationship with God is where people can find contentment. In this close and connected relationship with God, humans can find meaning and purpose. With new found purpose anyone can achieve happiness. Paul, one of the great Christian leaders of the early church, wrote from his own jail cell in Rome, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). For Christians, God is the ultimate so
urce of joy and contentment.
Yet happiness is not the main motive of Christianity. In fact, much of the Christian faith is centered on suffering for God. Jesus, who is the founder of the Christian faith, suffered so that humans can have a relationship with God. Through Jesus horrible suffering and death on the cross, humans can find contentment in a relationship with God. Apostle Paul, one of the early church leaders, sums it up, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10). Christians believe that by Jesus’ (the Son) death on the cross, humans can be restored back to God. Christians rejoice in the fact that they can have a relationship with God, yet they know the immense costs and sufferings that bought them a relationship with God.
Thus, with Jesus’ suffering in mind, Christians are motivated to live and suffer for God. Suffering is not something to be avoided. Suffering can instead be a way to find joy and growth. Dr. Kim Eckert of Christianity Today writes, “The Christian life is not about avoiding pain and maximizing pleasure. Rather, suffering is essential to our humanity. Instead of alleviating pain with a feel-good experience, we can grow in and through suffering” (Eckert 1). In his letter to the disciples, Apostle Peter, one of the first apostles, writes, “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13). In this near paradoxical take on happiness, Christianity truly stands separate from other worldviews. Christianity’s basis of joy is Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Christians themselves can experience growth and contentment through their own suffering for the sake of their faith.
Work Cited:
Eckert, Kim. “The Psychology of Happiness.” Christianity Today, 10 Sept. 2013.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (ESV), Containing the Old and New Testaments. 1st ed. Vol. 1. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011. Print.
Happiness 