Love is happiness
- Thread starter Kafziel
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I agree. Love does satisfy a deep and profound need within us. But love alone here on earth, makes us vulnerable to it's loss. When we love we are willing to give everything for that love but it still remains a self centered experience. There is a terror element coexistent with earthly love.
This issue guides me back to the very first question of the venerated Puritan Shorter Catechism, "What is the purpose of man?"
Their reply; "The purpose of Man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever." When we love truly here on earth we glorify God and that is the source of our happiness. That happiness can never be taken away. But if we love something here on earth that does not glorify God it will never bring happiness.
(I never totally agreed with John Lennon...)
So my slight alteration to your formula: Love=Glory to God=Happiness
IMHO
This issue guides me back to the very first question of the venerated Puritan Shorter Catechism, "What is the purpose of man?"
Their reply; "The purpose of Man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever." When we love truly here on earth we glorify God and that is the source of our happiness. That happiness can never be taken away. But if we love something here on earth that does not glorify God it will never bring happiness.
(I never totally agreed with John Lennon...)
So my slight alteration to your formula: Love=Glory to God=Happiness
IMHO
True love isn't a feeling. Feelings are transient. That's why so many people get divorced; once the good vibes wear off the commitment goes out the window. Love is a quality of character, or fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
A lot of people have love and commitment for family or friends. This is normal human love; but Christ's love is for all people, even those who nailed Him to the cross. That kind of love isn't normal to humans. It can only be acquired by letting Christ and the Spirit work in your life.
It is said that happiness is transitory because it depends on external factors.
People then chase after altering their circumstances to enhance their happiness.
If only they had more of this and less of that, surely they would be happy?
Not so. You could have just about everything any could desire and still be miserable.
On the other hand, joy abides from being at peace with who you are, despite unfavorable aspects.
Paul said in Philippians 4:11, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances."
People then chase after altering their circumstances to enhance their happiness.
If only they had more of this and less of that, surely they would be happy?
Not so. You could have just about everything any could desire and still be miserable.
On the other hand, joy abides from being at peace with who you are, despite unfavorable aspects.
Paul said in Philippians 4:11, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances."
And I Love you all 
I believe that Christian love equals joy. I understand what the OP is saying, but IMO, there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness usually is earthly and temporary, while joy is spiritual and eternal.
There are many examples that could be made, but I guess the first I think of is that eating blackberry cobbler makes me happy, but having Gods unwavering love gives me joy.
There are many examples that could be made, but I guess the first I think of is that eating blackberry cobbler makes me happy, but having Gods unwavering love gives me joy.
This calls for a test of that theory, with some Blue Bell (tm) homemade vanilla ice cream.
Sorry... I may have got a little happy with that theory.
