THE WAY OF HAPPINESS - UNITED BY "A PERFECT BOND OF UNION"

When self-sacrificing love exists between parents, any children in the family benefit greatly.  A young women named Jessica observed:  "My father and mother truly love and respect each other.  When I see my mother respect my father, especially when dealing with us children, it make me want to be just like her." 

Love is God's foremost quality.  In fact, The Bible says:  "God is love." (1 John 4:8) It thus comes as no surprise that Jehovah is also called "the happy God."  (1 Timothy 1:11)  We too will be happy when we strive to imitate our Creator's qualities-especially his love. Says Ephesians 5:1,2: "Become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love." 

KEY POINTS 

'Love is patient and kind.  It bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.' -1 Corinthians 13:4, 8,

Love promotes happiness because it . . .

* Helps us to show sincere concern for the welfare of others

* Can grow stronger over time

* Gives strength and resilience to friendships and marriages

* Helps children to thrive and feel secure

* Makes us more like our Creator

Next time: THE WAY OF HAPPINESS - Forgiveness

From the jw.org publications