THE BIBLE IS A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR GAINING TRUE HAPPINESS Flashcards
The Bible fills an essential need by setting out guidelines that contribute to stable families and wholesome, happy relationships (Pr 3:13, 18, 21, 22; Mt 5:3; Lu 11:28; Re 1:3)
The Bible fills an essential need by setting out guidelines that contribute to stable families and wholesome, happy relationships. What scriptures, as shown below, indicate this?
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom And the man who acquires discernment … It is a tree of life to those who take hold of it, And those who keep firm hold of it will be called happy … My son, do not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability; They will give you life And be an adornment for your neck…”
Proverbs 3:13, 18, 21, 22
The Bible fills an essential need by setting out guidelines that contribute to stable families and wholesome, happy relationships. What scripture, as shown below, indicate this?
“Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.”
Matthew 5:3
The Bible fills an essential need by setting out guidelines that contribute to stable families and wholesome, happy relationships. What scripture, as shown below, indicate this?
“But he said: “No, rather, happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!””
Luke 11:28
The Bible fills an essential need by setting out guidelines that contribute to stable families and wholesome, happy relationships. What scripture, as shown below, indicate this?
“Happy is the one who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy and who observe the things written in it, for the appointed time is near.”
Revelation 1:3
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What blueprint is necessary to follow to succeed in buidling a happy marriage? (2 Timothy 3:16)
A trustworthy contractor would never start construction without first consulting a drawing. Similarly, we cannot succeed in building a happy marriage without carefully consulting God’s blueprint for the project. It is found in the pages of God’s Word. “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial . . . for setting things straight,” wrote the apostle Paul.—2 Timothy 3:16.
“For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, for I personally promised you in marriage to one husband that I might present you as a chaste virgin to the Christ.”
2 Corinthians 11:2
“Now because he knew before the festival of the Passover that his hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father, Jesus, having loved his own who were in the world, loved them to the end.”
John 13:1
“I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now.”
John 16:12
“Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“He said to them: “I am deeply grieved, even to death. Stay here and keep on the watch.” And going a little way forward, he fell to the ground and began praying that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. And he said: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you; remove this cup from me. Yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He returned and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter: “Simon, are you sleeping? Did you not have the strength to keep on the watch for one hour? Keep on the watch and pray continually, so that you do not come into temptation. The spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak.””
Mark 14:34-38
“After that he put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel that was wrapped around him. Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him: “Lord, are you washing my feet?” Jesus answered him: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand after these things.” Peter said to him: “You will certainly never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him: “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him: “Lord, wash not only my feet but also my hands and my head.” Jesus said to him: “Whoever has bathed does not need to have more than his feet washed, but is completely clean. And you men are clean, but not all of you.” For he knew the man who was betraying him. This is why he said: “Not all of you are clean.” When, now, he had washed their feet and had put his outer garments on, he again reclined at the table and said to them: “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are correct, for I am such. Therefore, if I, the Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also should wash the feet of one another. For I set the pattern for you, that just as I did to you, you should also do. Most truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.”
John 13:5-17
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While consulting God’s blueprint for a happy marriage as found in the Bible, what can husbands and wives learn from the way Jesus dealt with his disciples? (2 Corinthians 11:2; John 13:1; John 16:12; Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 14:34-38; John 13:5-17)
In the Bible the relationship between Jesus and those who will rule with him in heaven is likened to that between a man and his wife. (2 Corinthians 11:2) Jesus remained loyal to his associates, even during the most turbulent times. “He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1) As a compassionate leader, Jesus always took into consideration the limitations and frailties of his followers. He never demanded of them more than they were able to do or give.—John 16:12.
Even when disappointed by his closest friends, Jesus remained gentle. He did not berate them, but, rather, with godly humility and kindness, he tried to readjust them. (Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 14:34-38; John 13:5-17) Thus, if you examine closely the way Jesus tenderly treated his followers and the way they returned that expression of love to him, you will learn practical lessons on building a happy marriage.—1 Peter 2:21.
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What is the sturdiest foundation on which to build a happy marriage? (Matthew 19:6)
Inevitably, stormlike trials will lash at the foundation of your marriage. This will test the underpinnings of your relationship with your spouse. However, the sturdiest foundation on which to build a happy marriage is loyal commitment based on love. Jesus highlighted the importance of commitment when he said: “No one should separate a couple that God has joined together.” (Matthew 19:6, Contemporary EnglishVersion) The expression “no one” would include the man and his wife, who have vowed to remain faithful to each other.
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What can sustain marital commitment? (Ephesians 5:28, 29)
The apostle Paul wrote: “Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies.” (Ephesians 5:28, 29) In part, then, being “joined together” means that you feel as concerned about the welfare of your mate as you do about your own. Married people need to shift their thinking from “mine” to “ours,” from “me” to “we.”
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The exhortation “Let each one keep watching how he is building” can also be applied to marriage. (1 Corinthians 3:10) What durable materials are needed to build a long lasting marriage?
Value as gold such precious qualities as godly wisdom, generosity, discernment, fear of God, warmth, loving appreciation for God’s laws, and genuine faith.
Happiness and contentment in marriage are not built on material possessions or secular advancement. They are built in the heart and mind, and these traits are strengthened by the truths from the Word of God.
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What can be done when problems arise in a marriage? (Colossians 3:19; Ephesians 4:32)
The apostle Paul counseled men: “You husbands, keep on loving your wives and do not bebitterly angry with them.” (Colossians 3:19) The same principle applies to wives. When spouses strive to be considerate, kind, and understanding, they contribute to their happiness and contentment. Avoiding ill-tempered and confrontational behavior helps prevent conflict when difficulties do arise. “Become kind to one another,” urged Paul, “tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another.”—Ephesians 4:32.
What if feelings of powerlessness, exasperation, or being underappreciated cause annoyance? In a calm manner, state clearly to your mate the reason for your concern. However, it may be best to let love cover over minor matters.—1 Peter 4:8.
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When marriage mates are determined to work hard to include God in their union, what are the results and who primarily deserves the credit?
When marriage mates are determined to work hard to include God in their union, happiness and security will result. Thus, watch closely the spiritual dimension in your family; have a rock-solid commitment to marriage. And remember that according to the words of Jesus, neither the husband nor the wife receives all the credit for a happy marriage. Rather, the credit primarily goes to the Originator of marriage, Jehovah God. “What God has yoked together let no man put apart.”—Matthew 19:6.
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In consideration of these scriptures, what can help you to build a happy marriage?
- (Proverbs 3:5, 6) “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight.”
- (Philippians 4:6, 7) “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.”
- (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”
- Study God’s Word along with your mate regularly
- Pray to God for help and guidance in resolving problems
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In consideration of these scriptures, what can help you to build a happy marriage?
- (Proverbs 5:15-21) “Drink water from your own cistern And flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be dispersed outside, Your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be for you alone, And not for strangers with you. May your own fountain be blessed, And may you rejoice with the wife of your youth, A loving doe, a graceful mountain goat. Let her breasts satisfy you at all times. May you be captivated by her love constantly. So why, my son, should you be captivated by a wayward woman Or embrace the bosom of an immoral woman? For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah; He examines all his paths.”
- (Hebrews 13:4) “Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.”
- (1 Corinthians 7:2-5) “but because of the prevalence of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife and each woman have her own husband. Let the husband give to his wife her due, and let the wife also do likewise to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but her husband does; likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but his wife does. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent for an appointed time, so that you may devote time to prayer and may come together again, in order that Satan may not keep tempting you for your lack of self-control.”
- Confining sexual interest to one’s mate. (Loving concern for the needs of one’s mate can help to safeguard that one against temptation to wrongdoing.)
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In consideration of these scriptures, what can help you to build a happy marriage?
- (Proverbs 15:22) “Plans fail when there is no consultation, But there is accomplishment through many advisers.”
- (Proverbs 20:5) “The thoughts of a man’s heart are like deep waters, But the discerning man draws them out.”
- (Proverbs 25:11) “Like apples of gold in silver carvings Is a word spoken at the right time.”
- Speak to your mate in a kind, considerate manner
- Avoid outbursts of anger, nagging, and harsh critical remarks.
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In consideration of these scriptures, what can help you to build a happy marriage?
- (Romans 14:12) “So, then, each of us will render an account for himself to God.”
- (1 Peter 3:1, 2) “In the same way, you wives, be in subjection to your husbands, so that if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.”
- Humbly apply Bible counsel even if you feel that your mate is not doing everything he or she should be doing.
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In consideration of these scriptures, what can help you to build a happy marriage?
- (Galatians 5:22, 23) “On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- (Colossians 3:12-14) “Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.”
- (1 Peter 3:3-6) “Do not let your adornment be external—the braiding of hair and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothing— but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible adornment of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God. For this is how the holy women of the past who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, subjecting themselves to their husbands, just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you have become her children, provided you continue doing good and do not give in to fear.”
- Work hard to cultivate the spiritual qualities mentioned in the Bible.
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How did one couple, Wolfgang and Brigitte, a couple living in Germany, choose true happiness with what result?
When Wolfgang and Brigitte, a couple living in Germany, began studying the Bible in earnest, they possessed many of the material things that people feel are needed to be happy. They were young and healthy. They wore expensive clothes, lived in an attractively decorated home, and had a successful business. Much of their time was spent in the pursuit of more material things, but that did not give them genuine happiness. In time, though, Wolfgang and Brigitte made a crucial choice. They began to devote more time and effort to the pursuit of spiritual values and looked for ways to draw closer to Jehovah. Their choice soon led to a change in their attitude, which, in turn, moved them to simplify their life and to serve as pioneers, or full-time Kingdom evangelizers. Today, they serve as volunteers at the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany. In addition, they are learning an Asian language in order to assist foreigners to learn the truth found in God’s Word, the Bible.
Did this couple find true happiness? Wolfgang says: “Ever since we became more involved in pursuing spiritual things, we have been happier and have experienced more satisfaction. Serving Jehovah wholeheartedly has also strengthened our marriage. We had a happy marriage before, but we had obligations and interests that pulled us in different directions. Now we are unitedly pursuing the same goal.”
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How did one young Christian, 15-year-old Lina, express her happiness in serving Jehovah?
15-year-old Lina says: “I can hold my head high. I have a healthy body because of abstaining from smoking and drugs. I have valuable guidance given me through the congregation that helps me to combat Satan’s awful pressure. My face has a happy glow because of the upbuilding association made available at the Kingdom Hall. Best of all, I have the unbeatable prospect of eternal life on earth.”
