Do we have a moral obligation to be happy?

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Laish

Laish

Senior Member
#1
Jul 31, 2016
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#1
Hello all
It is a simple question. Do we Have a moral obligation to be happy? Knowing that our moods can affect others . We can easily lift up others that are down with a kind smile or with pleasant conversation. The opposite can be true as well . So as Christians knowing that our own moods affects others should we always try our best to be happy ? I think so . What do y'all think .
Blessings
Bill
 
Demi777

Demi777

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#2
Oct 13, 2014
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I think we should be at peace and happy as much as we can and when we are down, comfort another.
But as we arent all happy all the time we should be honest about these things because that again makes us human and people can relate to us. If we always are happy all the time it starts to get a bit fake. ..thats my opinion
 
A

Amazing-Grace

Guest
#3
#3
I think we should have an underlying joy that should be evident to those around us. Happiness or lack of is a consequence of the circumstances we find ourselves in, joy is not.
 
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PinkDiamond

Guest
#4
#4
I like this discussion. I agree with the OP that we have a responsibility towards others to remain joyful and upbeat ( as much as possible). I think there is a big difference between joy and happiness. Amazing-Grace defined the two terms well in her post. I believe it is entirely possible to feel sorrow and joy at the same time. I have personally experienced this at times. I believe that joy is a state of contentment and resignation to the will of God. When we have joy we have faith and hope.

I think the whole crux of Christianity is to love God and seek the welfare of others. If we allow our personal sorrows and depression to affect how we treat others and relate to them we are placing their needs and happiness below our own. True happiness comes from seeking the welfare of others. The more we focus on the pain and suffering of others the less we will be absorbed in our own disappointments.

On of my favorite quotes is from Corrie Ten Boom: No pit is so deep that he is not deeper still. I think she really understood the faithfulness of God and was able to remain joyful after a life of immense tragedy.
 
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G

Grandpa

Senior Member
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Jun 24, 2011
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I think we have an obligation to be optimistic. Because that is what faith is about.

But like Demi says I think we should be real. If you really aren't happy you have to find out why and not try to white wash it with a smile just because you think you are obligated to do so.
 
resurrection33

resurrection33

Banned
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Dec 19, 2009
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Laish said:
Hello all
It is a simple question. Do we Have a moral obligation to be happy? Knowing that our moods can affect others . We can easily lift up others that are down with a kind smile or with pleasant conversation. The opposite can be true as well . So as Christians knowing that our own moods affects others should we always try our best to be happy ? I think so . What do y'all think .
Blessings
Bill
Click to expand...
Yes, I think we have the obligation to trust the Lord to take care of us, which would lead to happiness. I have to confess that I have failed on occasion.
 
Dino246

Dino246

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#7
Jun 30, 2015
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As with many things which seem Christian, the "obligation to be happy" sounds good. It's not a clearly-taught biblical concept though, and as such I think the terms require definition. "Obligation" to me looks like "responsibility tied to punishment for non-compliance". "Happy" can mean any number of things, and I don't hold to the Christian-ese distinction between happiness and joy. I like the nuance of "optimistic", but as Demi said, we need to be real.

I would see the issue this way: as sinful humans in a fallen world, we will experience sorrow and disappointment, loss and pain. I would think it rather odd if a Christian friend were "happy" (or 'joyful') that her father got cancer, or that his marriage is ending in divorce, or that her daughter had a miscarriage. That is denial. Rather, I think that as Christians, we should acknowledge honestly where we are and put our hope in the Lord to bring all things to completion, and to use all the experiences of our lives to glorify Him and to bring good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

So, no, I don't think we have an "obligation to be happy". I think that we have the opportunity to rejoice in the Lord regardless of our circumstances. The "happiness" may not be possible in the moment, though in His strength and timing we can get there eventually. We feel what we feel. We just have a choice what we do with it. :)
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#8
Aug 28, 2012
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That my friend is an interesting question. i have seen that when I am happy and upbeat even people around me who are having one of those grumpy moody days lighten up and laugh but when I am not feeling good I can be a downer and it makes others feel sad seeing me like that.

I think I am what you would call an emotional beacon whatever I am feeling seems to affect others around me and in reverse what they are feeling affects me. I don't believe though that being happy and upbeat is the same as the inner joy God gives us I mean even Jesus showed his tears and his anger. I don't like to show when I am upset or feeling down as I don't like to upset others but at the same time when people pretend everything is ok and even feign happiness but I can tell they feeling bad inside it kinda irritates me like I would rather they be real with me than hide it and appear happy.

I don't think it's about being moral or an obligation but I do think we should consider how vastly we can affect others by our moods
 
M

mpaper345

Banned
#9
Feb 9, 2010
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#9
Laish said:
Hello all
It is a simple question. Do we Have a moral obligation to be happy? Knowing that our moods can affect others . We can easily lift up others that are down with a kind smile or with pleasant conversation. The opposite can be true as well . So as Christians knowing that our own moods affects others should we always try our best to be happy ? I think so . What do y'all think .
Blessings
Bill
Click to expand...
Well being happy will have a greater impact on our life,and others.

1.If a person is not a happy type person,but boo hoos about things,and is kind of negative,how does that portray God.Are they going to be miserable despite that God gives peace that passes all understanding,joy that no person takes away,love unfathomable,eternal life,supplies our needs,and they are going to not be happy.That is the flesh that wants to boo hoo like the flesh does,and not of the Spirit.How can you not be happy if you have the Spirit,for it is impossible,and if there is any boo hoo,it is to weep for other people.

2.It portrays God's blessings,and love,as being not in effect all the time,or it is really our state of mind,and we provide our own happiness,and not from God,and does not do justice to the kingdom of God,that wants people to know that living for Him is a better situation not only in the world to come,but in this world to come.Worldly chap-forget that I am not becoming a Christian,they are a bunch of unhappy,crybabies,and miserable.

In other words stop boo hooing like the flesh wants to do,and allow the Spirit to work in you.

3.Being not happy,and negative,worrying,and a crybaby,allowing our self to be depressed,can have a negative effect on our health,not counting the fact that we will not get things done like we should,as we lazy around crybabying.

It would appear as if we would have a moral obligation to be happy,for the kingdom of God's sake,for not only do we have to show the world the Gospel,and conduct ourselves rightly,which the Bible says give offense in nothing,that the ministry be not blamed,and do good deeds,so the world in the time of visitation,while they behold your good works,will glorify God,but we also have to portray the kingdom of God in a way to the world,to show them that the kingdom of God,and living for God causes a person to be joyful,and full of life,full of pep,and not like the world where the flesh can drag them down,and cause depression at times,and some do not try to beat it but want to gloat on their problems,but the kingdom of God casts their cares upon God,for He cares for them.

God's kingdom is above the world that is provides the best quality life,in happiness,or joy that exceeds happiness,for happiness is controlled by us,and we might lose it temporarily,but Jesus gives us joy that no person takes away,and it is controlled by God,so we can never lose it at all,so no matter the problems in life,no matter how much people go against us,that joy is there so we can keep moving forward,keep loving people,which is why the Bible says the joy of the LORD is our strength.

Joy no person takes away,but it is our moral obligation to be happy,and stop allowing the flesh to drag us down,and allow the Spirit to lift us up.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#11
Aug 28, 2012
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breno785au said:
Be happy but don't forget to weep with those who weep.
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There you again speaking vast wisdom in a single sentence lol if I cannot rep you I want you to know that have high respect for you as a Christian:)
 
breno785au

breno785au

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#12
Jul 23, 2013
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#12
Blain said:
There you again speaking vast wisdom in a single sentence lol if I cannot rep you I want you to know that have high respect for you as a Christian:)
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Thank you for your encouragement brother :)
 
OneFaith

OneFaith

Senior Member
#13
Sep 5, 2016
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Moses got so depressed he didn't want to live anymore. We all have our moods- even God, the Bible mentions God being both angry and pleased. But within a day, everyday, we should feel the joy of knowing someday we will be with the Lord, and suffer no more.

Paul was able to sing in prison, because of the peace that passes understanding. But I don't think you can be that cheerful if you are being tortured on a cross. But yes, you should always try to be as cheerful as you can. BUT never lie about how you honestly feel.

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, rejoice!"

No matter what I'm going through, good times or bad, I am always grateful I'm going to heaven.
 
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notmyown

notmyown

Senior Member
#14
May 26, 2016
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wow, Bill, thanks for the reminder that my outward attitude really does affect those around me! with this i fully agree! :)

i'm opposed to 'mask wearing', though. i wonder if that sort of thing actually hurts the Church?

we always have reason for joy (it's a fruit of abiding in Christ :) ) and we have a Living Hope.

i just don't ever want to make a brother or sister feel they can't share sorrow, or be sorrowful for good reason, because it's all, "how you doing? great!" if you know what i mean.
so i try to be honest about what i'm going through to encourage others they can be real, too. not talking about straight up complaining (which is bad) but when difficult things happen, i don't want to pretend they're not.
i would be sad if someone i know felt they had to pretend things were fine, just fine when life was crumbling around them.

sometimes it has to be sit quietly and pass the tissues, because at that moment, that's love.


 
A

Adstar

Senior Member
#15
Jul 24, 2016
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#15
Laish said:
Hello all
It is a simple question. Do we Have a moral obligation to be happy? Knowing that our moods can affect others . We can easily lift up others that are down with a kind smile or with pleasant conversation. The opposite can be true as well . So as Christians knowing that our own moods affects others should we always try our best to be happy ? I think so . What do y'all think .
Blessings
Bill
Click to expand...
People are in the moods they are in... How can anyone force themselves to be in a happy mood when they are not??? If you're not happy and you just put on a fake show of happiness then in effect your lying to all the people around you making out you are happy when you are not happy... We cannot force ourselves to be genuinely happy when we are not..
 
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BeyondET

Guest
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#16
Interesting thread title, Morally Obligated Morale, Happiness I'd say is a state of Morale in a Moment that can be extended or brief at times. Moral Obligations I can think of these two Words which is easier said than done at times "Love N Except" Knowing the when's and how's of these Obligations thus IMO probably will lead to being more happy fishermen of men.
 
p_rehbein

p_rehbein

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#17
Sep 4, 2013
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There is no obligation/requirement to be happy, sad, whatever. Goodness.............
 
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eph610

Guest
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#18
This is why we have fruit of the Spirit....the fruit is not for us, but refines our character so that we can let others eat of our fruit....

I may not be in a joyful emotional state, but it does not mean that I cannot give Joy to someone who needs it....
We need to remember that walking by faith is not walking by feelings or emotions....

The Joy of the Lord is your strength.,....Joy is not some bubbly, smiling, happy emotion I exhibit...Joy is resting in in the knowledge that when all hell is breaking loose around me, the strength of the Lord is taking care of the situation....I might not look joyful on the outside, but Joy is knowing that while a thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand.....It shall not approach you!!! Joy is knowing that you have always set the Lord before you and because he is at your right hand, you shall not be moved/shaken!

When I am not in trial and need joy, my fruit of Joy is available for others to pick and eat....this is where many 5 fold gifts, elders and leaders in the Bible have failed...your fruit of the Spirit is for others, not you, when they need your patience/endurance, they should be able to pick it at any time they need it....

Before you can give fruit to others, it must be cultivated and so ingrained and one in your character that they become instinctive to the situation that requires the fruit....

For example, church hopping is a serious issue today, people come and go without ever really planting....at some point, the fruit of faithfulness should be manifesting , that you will stay planted for the season God has you there for and stop moving around...

It is also a proven fact that if youa re in low place, you cannot minister to a high place....
 
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wattie

wattie

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#19
Feb 24, 2009
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#19
Reminds me of Positive Psychology

This is where people will be positive no matter what is going on with them.

This is unrealistic. Are you gonna be 'happy' when a loved one dies? The normal response is grief, sadness.. not happiness.

So, negative emotions have an important place in our lives. They allow us to express emotions rightly.

In christianity... people encounter great persecution. Are they gonna be 'happy' about this?

Maybe content in Christ that He has a better plan for them in the end.. but I seriously doubt they will be saying 'isn't it amazing and joyful that I am being jailed for preaching Christ'

It may actually be joyful in the inner man.. in the spirit from knowing Christ's blessings.. but that wouldn't mean most times actually experiencing joyful emotion.

So.. there is no obligation to be happy.
 
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eph610

Guest
#20
#20
I have to say this...why do we equate "human" natural emotions to the supernatural fruit of the "Holy Spirit"
 
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