Happiness Deserved

Here's one for you. Are some people more deserving of happiness than others? Let's break it down. What is the assumption made in this question (I think that is where we'll find our answer). This question assumes one thing: that happiness is something deserved. Is happiness something deserved? If so, then how do we ensure that we receive our deserved quantity of happiness? Who is it that determines the correct distribution of happiness? How do you quantify happiness? Obviously these are silly questions. Happiness is an emotion and emotions are uncontrollable symptoms of life. I can be happy and stub my toe and I will instantly shift to upset. To try to be happy is to chase the wind. To decide who does and does not deserve happiness is to decide what emotions I will feel today. You don't have to be alive long to know that it is not possible to completely control all of our emotions all of the time. Therefore happiness cannot be deserved because it cannot be counted and it is not something given.

Happiness, however, can be generated from outside sources. For instance, I would be happy if was offered a piece of pie (or a whole pie if I was to be very happy), not because I have happiness inside of me, but because my happiness is a reaction to what is outside of me. Unfortunately most of these outside sources have only a temporary effect and therefore are lacking. Jesus is where our true joy can be found. His limitless love for us in spite of us is the ultimate cause of happiness. Through the forgiveness of Jesus' death on the cross and the love that drove Him there, we can have peace and joy (true, unlimited happiness) through God; Jesus Christ. And no, it's not deserved. It cannot be deserved. If it was deserved it would be quantifiable and It would be owed to us. God has given us the opportunity for happiness through His son, His death and His resurection. We can be happy because God loves us. Happy Easter.