January 15
Happiness
“He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth.” —Proverbs 14:21
Read Proverbs 14:1-21
In verse 21, the term “sinneth” contrasts with “happiness” and the term “despiseth” with “mercy.” And so there are two ways of dealing with your neighbour: despising him or showing mercy to him. Why do we despise other people? Is it because of their outward appearance, their poverty, their trials or their miserable circumstances?
We need to take a look at ourselves. Who do we think we are? Why do we have such high thoughts of ourselves? It is sinful and missing the mark when we do not love our neighbour. The wages of sin in this case are also death. We do not sin cheaply. How foolish it is to choose death over life!
But there is a way that we may be supremely happy. It is laid away for those who show mercy. Showing compassion is a mark of grace indicating that we belong to the Lord. No one has ever shown so much compassion as the Lord Jesus. The Scriptures say that the Lord is moved with bowels of compassion; He delights to show mercy.
This is also the duty of God’s children; they ought to be moved with love to all people who cross their path. This love needs to be shown not only by one’s feelings, but also by our very deeds. Just as love for God is initiated by His love to us, love for our neighbours flows out of God’s love for us (1 John 4:11).
What do you understand by the term “happy”?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.