True Happiness

Finally, all of you should be of one mind (in agreement, harmony or agreeable). Sympathize with (understand) each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted (kind, compassionate or kindhearted), and keep a humble attitude (spirit). Don’t repay evil for evil (wrong for wrong). Don’t retaliate (retaliation) with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil (say nothing evil nor harmful) and your lips from telling lies (dishonest speech). Turn away from evil and do good. Search for (look or seek) peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right (righteous), and His ears are open (attentive) to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NLT), see parallel reference at Psalm 34:12-16. 

Here, the Apostle Peter emphasizes the relationship between our good conduct and God’s blessing by quoting from Psalm 34:12-16, see also 1 Peter 2:3; Hebrews 12:14). God expects all people, but especially followers of Jesus Christ, to love and be kind to others (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34; John 13:35). Jesus teaches us to love one another and to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). In God's Kingdom, revenge and insult are NEVER right!  Instead, God instructs His people to love our enemies, purse peace with others and quietly trust in God as the Lord of all (Leviticus 19:18). God always rights all wrongs!  

If you are good to people, God will be good and bless you. In other words, when you bless others, God will bless you! By blessing and loving others, we receive our blessings from God. God sees the good people do and listens to their prayers. But God is against those who do evil. 

A person, who wants a truly happy life filled with all God’s blessings, must first turn away from evil in word, will, and actions. This kind of person can be happy because God’s eyes are on such a person for protection and God’s ear is open to their prayers. Like Psalm 34, this Scripture passage focuses on turning from sin --- sins of speech (James 3:2-18), lies, evil, retaliation (Leviticus 19:18) and temptation --- and doing good to others. We do good to others by pursing peace, harmony, courtesy, love, compassion, mercy, and humility. 

If you have trouble living a life of good for God, ask God’s Holy Spirit to change and mold you into the person God wants you to be. God’s Holy Spirit changes a person from the inside to mold you into a person for God's use.

You did not choose Me, but I (Jesus Christ) chose you and appointed you to go and bear (produce lasting) fruit--fruit that will last (remain). Then (God) the Father will give you whatever you ask (using) in My Name. This is My command: Love each other. John 15:16-17 (NIV), see also Galatians 5:22-23.