Many people have searched for the fountain of youth to find happiness and joy, but it never works. There is only one way that does work. Jesus described it 2000 years ago and it never gets old. It was so controversial that it changed history and cost him his life. It’s just as real now as it was then.
One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together. Knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?” Jesus answered, “The greatest is, ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. The second is like this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he, and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” No one dared ask him any question after that. (Mark 12:28-34 WEB; Matthew 22:36-40; Deuteronomy 6:1-19)
When we recognize Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our sins in his body on the cross to give us eternal life with him in heaven, it changes our perspective. It helps us see ourselves as he sees us — a beloved child. It helps us see our problems as he sees them — an opportunity for his love and care. It helps us see our future as he sees it — to be with him forever. This is the secret of real joy.
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When we realize other people’s sins are nailed to the cross with Jesus Christ just as much as ours, it changes our perspective. It helps us see them as he sees them — forgiven sinners. It helps us love them as he loves them — more than ourselves. It helps us help them as he helps them — with tender compassion. This is the secret of real joy.
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When we understand our sins have separated us from Jesus Christ and throw ourselves at the foot of the cross in confession and repentance, it changes our perspective. It helps us to worship God as he deserves — the creator of the universe who is the author and finisher of our faith. It helps us understand ourselves as he does — a forgiven sinner who has been changed into the righteousness of God in Christ. It helps us serve others as he does — love your family, your friend, your neighbor, and your enemy. This is the secret of real joy.