Most people would like to know how to find happiness in relationships, since they form the foundation of our social existence. However, relationships can also be a source of stress and conflict, and it can often be difficult to overcome the challenges they present.
How to Find Happiness in Our Most Important Relationship
The foundation of finding happiness in relationships lies in our connection with God.
“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4
When we seek God’s presence, we open ourselves to receive His love, which surpasses all human understanding.
Being in the presence of God is the greatest happiness we can know.
Experiencing the love of God cultivates within us a capacity to love others authentically and without reservation. Furthermore, God’s love provides within us a foundation of strength and resilience, enabling us to navigate relational conflicts with grace and understanding.
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37
How to Find Happiness in Our Relationships with Others
Apart from loving God above all else, Jesus also emphasises the importance of loving our neighbours as ourselves.
Loving Our Neighbours
When the love of God is being expressed through us, it is not merely a fleeting emotion but a genuine and active commitment to seek the wellbeing of others. It is a love that extends beyond ourselves, embracing those around us with empathy and respect.
“And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’” Matthew 22:39
Devoid of pretence or ulterior motives, this type of love is manifested through actions that exemplify care, concern, and support for others. In demonstrating God’s authentic love, we should endeavour to elevate and value others, placing their needs and dignity before our own.
Loving Our Enemies
The unconditional love of God extends beyond our personal preferences, encompassing even those who may cause us harm or hardship. God’s love enables us to respond with blessings, not curses, towards those who cause us harm.
“Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14
Blessing those who persecute us may seem counterintuitive. It is, in reality, an act of radical love that disarms negativity and breaks the cycle of resentment and retaliation.
Loving our enemies opens the way for God to perform miracles that make things so much better for us!
We are called to respond with kindness and compassion, even towards those who have wronged us. Responding with undeserved grace can break down barriers and pave the way for reconciliation. By choosing to bless, we demonstrate our reliance on God’s justice and our commitment to love, even in the face of adversity.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written ,“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19
It is in our best interests to relinquish the desire for revenge, as it only perpetuates bitterness and resentment.
Bitterness and resentment harm our emotional wellbeing and deprive us of peace.
Instead, we should endeavour to choose the path of forgiveness. In this way, we liberate ourselves from the chains of anger, allowing reconciliation to take place.
“But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20
True happiness in relationships requires a willingness to let go of past hurts and choose to act with compassion, even towards those who have mistreated us. This demonstration of unconditionsl love disarms hostility and creates an opportunity for transformation.
Acts of kindness do not erase past transgressions. They express our belief in the transformative power of the love of God. When we choose forgiveness over bitterness, we elevate ourselves and contribute to a more compassionate world.
Conclusion
By seeking the presence of God and receiving His love, we become better attuned to discovering how to find happiness in relationships. We are also better equipped to navigate their complexities with wisdom and compassion, bringing greater joy into our lives.