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Steve Ross
Interesting thought. In my studies I don't recall God looking into our lives to see if the real fruit of our lives is happiness, although there are references about happiness in relation to right living. I see a more important emphasis on holiness and Joy, Lev. 20:26,1Pet.1:16. Happiness is an emotion based on good situations,where as holiness should be present in all situations and Joy is an inner peace knowing God will never leave us or forsake us and His promises are eternal. Joy for me is often the the realization that I'm walking in His will, no matter what the situation is around me, it may not even exhibit itself with a smile on my face even though there is peace in my heart. My gut reaction to emphasis on happiness for the Christian comes from an awareness of false teaching about how much the Lord wants us to be happy which really is not an emphasized much in the realm of Holy living. Contentment being more important as we walk with Him. 1Tim. 6:6
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