HAPPINESS IS A PRODUCT OF OBEDIENCE, DON'T CAUSE PEOPLE PAINS AND EXPECT TO BE HAPPY.
HAPPINESS IS A PRODUCT OF OBEDIENCE, DON'T CAUSE PEOPLE PAINS AND EXPECT TO BE HAPPY.
#pastorcharlestv
(Pst Charles Eberechukwu Nwaneri)
“Happiness is a Product of Obedience – Don’t Cause People Pains and Expect to Be Happy”
Happiness is a Product of Obedience
True happiness in life is not accidental; it is the direct result of obedience to God’s Word and living in harmony with His will. Many people search for joy in wealth, possessions, or achievements, but the Bible consistently teaches that lasting happiness comes from walking in obedience to God and treating others rightly.
Jesus said in John 13:17:
“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
Notice the condition: knowing is not enough; it is in the doing (obedience) that happiness is found.
Everyone desires happiness. Rich or poor, young or old, educated or uneducated, every human heart longs for joy and peace. Yet, many chase happiness in the wrong places: money, power, entertainment, relationships etc
But the Bible tells us that true happiness is not in having more, but in obeying God and living in love toward others. Jesus Himself said: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Notice: happiness is not in knowing only, but in the doing.
One reason many people live without joy is because they cause others pain. You cannot oppress people, cheat people, gossip about people, mistreat people, and still expect to walk in happiness. The law of sowing and reaping will always catch up with the person. (Galatians 6:7).
1. Obedience to God Produces Joy
Psalm 119:2 – “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”
Happiness is tied directly to obedience. When you obey God’s commands, you walk in alignment with His will, and that produces peace and joy. But when you disobey, you invite guilt, fear, and sorrow.
Adam and Eve disobeyed in the Garden of Eden. Their disobedience brought shame, fear, and separation from God.
Abraham obeyed God by leaving his father’s house, and his obedience brought joy and blessing, not only to himself but to generations after him.
Happiness is tied to keeping God’s commands. A guilty conscience cannot rejoice. Sin brings sorrow, but obedience brings peace and joy.
When we obey, we align with God’s order, and that alignment produces peace of mind, which is the root of happiness.
2. Don’t Cause People Pains and Expect to Be Happy
God’s Word warns against hurting others. Some people lie, cheat, gossip, oppress, or mistreat others but still expect to live in joy. This is self-deception.
Proverbs 14:21 says:
“He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
If your lifestyle causes pain, tears, or bitterness in others, happiness will always elude you. Why? Because the measure you give will come back to you (Luke 6:38).
The Bible teaches: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7).
When you sow pain, you reap sorrow. When you sow kindness and love, you reap happiness.
You want joy in your family, business, or ministry, begin by obeying God’s Word. Don’t just read or quote scripture, live it out daily.
One major reason happiness is missing in many lives is because they have hurt others. Some cheat in business, others gossip and slander, some mistreat their workers, others take advantage of the weak. Yet they expect to live in joy. It doesn’t work that way.
If your lifestyle causes tears in others, happiness will always elude you.
Galatians 6:7 reminds us: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Think about Haman in the book of Esther. He caused pain to Mordecai and plotted evil against the Jews. Did he find happiness? No! His own gallows became his judgment.
Treat people right, in your family, workplace, and community. Ask yourself daily: “Did my words or actions today bring someone joy, or did they cause someone pain?”
3. True Happiness is in Loving Others
Jesus summarized obedience into two commandments:
Love God with all your heart.
[39]And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Causing pain to others is a violation of the law of love. If you lie to, cheat, betray, or oppress someone, you may gain temporary satisfaction, but not lasting happiness.
The more you walk in love, the more joy you carry.
Romans 13:10 – “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Matthew 22:37–39 – Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus summarized the entire law in love. If you truly love God and love others, you will not hurt them, and you will enjoy joy yourself.
You can’t love and lie and gossip.
You can’t love and cheat.
You can’t love and oppress.
Where there is love, there will be joy.
A river that flows freely is fresh and life-giving. But if it is blocked, it becomes stagnant and begins to stink. Love is like that river. When you let it flow toward others, it refreshes you with joy. But if you block it with hatred, bitterness, and selfishness, your own life becomes polluted with sorrow.
Show love practically, speak kindly, forgive quickly, give generously, and serve others. Before you act, ask: “Would I want this done to me?”
4. Happiness and Peace Belong to the Obedient
Isaiah 48:18 says:
“O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.”
Peace (a foundation of happiness) is the result of obedience. Many restless hearts today are a result of disobedience to God’s Word and disregard for the feelings of others.
God promises peace like a river to the obedient. Peace and happiness are inseparable. Many restless hearts today are a result of disobedience to God’s Word and disregard for the feelings of others.
Jonah disobeyed God and ran away from His command. What did he find? Restlessness, storm, and trouble. But when he obeyed, peace returned.
Choose obedience in small and big matters. Don’t compromise for temporary gain. A short-lived pleasure of disobedience cannot give you the lasting joy that comes from obedience.
Practical Applications
1. Choose integrity: Don’t cheat, lie, or manipulate others. Happiness follows honesty.
2. Be kind and forgiving: Don’t harbor bitterness. Joy flows in forgiving hearts.
3. Obey God’s Word daily: Read and practice scripture; don’t just quote it.
4. Build rather than break others: Encourage, uplift, and support. Don’t tear people down with words or actions.
Conclusion
Happiness is not found in selfish living or causing others pain, it is a product of obedience to God’s Word and living in love toward others. If you truly want joy that lasts, then walk in obedience, love God, and treat people right.
Happiness is not found in selfish living. It is not in riches, power, or popularity. True happiness is a product of obedience to God’s Word and treating others with love.
Don’t expect joy while causing pain.
Don’t expect peace while walking in disobedience.
Jesus said: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:17).
Call to Action
Received Jesus today, if you have not. Make Him your Lord and saviour.
(John 1:12)
Decide today to walk in obedience and love.
Stop sowing pain, start sowing kindness.
If you’ve wronged people, repent, make peace, and start afresh.
Your happiness tomorrow is the fruit of your obedience today.
As Jesus said:
“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:17)
#pastoorcharlestv
