Increasing Happiness Through the Beatitude Blessings
With Workshop PDF
Makarios (Happy Blessed) & Chara (JOY)
The concepts of happiness (as expressed by makarios) and joy in the Bible are closely related but distinct. Here’s how they differ:
Happiness (Makarios)
Definition: Makarios is often translated as "blessed" or "happy" and refers to a state of well-being and contentment, especially in the context of spiritual favor or living according to God's will.
Context: In the Bible, happiness is linked to the favor of God and is often a result of specific blessings, such as forgiveness, righteous living, or eternal reward. It can be associated with external conditions, but it primarily speaks to being in a state of favor and peace with God.
Example: In the Beatitudes, Jesus describes those who are "blessed" (makarios) because of their alignment with the values of God’s kingdom (e.g., the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful).
Focus: Happiness often focuses on the outcomes of a life that is lived in accordance with God's will—it's the result of receiving blessings or enduring trials faithfully.
The Greek word makarios (μακάριος), meaning "blessed" or "happy," is used in several other key passages in the New Testament outside of the Beatitudes. Here are a few notable examples:
Luke 11:28 – Jesus says, "Blessed (makarios) rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Here, Jesus emphasizes that true happiness comes from a life lived in obedience to God's Word, not just from physical or material blessings.
James 1:12 – "Blessed (makarios) is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." In this passage, James reminds believers that enduring trials with faith leads to a deep spiritual blessing.
Revelation 14:13 – "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed (makarios) are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'" This verse refers to the ultimate blessing of eternal rest and reward for those who die faithfully in Christ.
Revelation 1:3 – "Blessed (makarios) is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." Here, makarios is used to describe the blessing of understanding and obeying the prophetic words of Revelation.
Romans 4:7-8 – "Blessed (makarios) are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed (makarios) is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them." In this passage, Paul echoes Psalm 32, celebrating the happiness that comes from God's forgiveness of sins.
Only obedient Christians can experience Makarios; true blessings and happiness. The joy is the Lord is unconditional in our spirit as born again believers, as this is a fruit of the spirit.
Joy (Chara)
Definition: The Greek word for joy is chara (χαρά), which denotes a deep, abiding sense of gladness or delight that is not dependent on external circumstances. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is rooted in one's relationship with God.
Context: Joy in the Bible transcends situations and is tied to the presence of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the hope found in salvation. It is a constant inner delight, even in the midst of suffering or hardship.
Example: In Philippians 4:4, Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Paul urges believers to find joy in their relationship with God, even while he himself is imprisoned.
Focus: Joy is an inward state that flows from one's connection with Christ and the hope of eternal life. It’s an emotion that rises from the soul, knowing that God is present and faithful, regardless of external difficulties.
Key Differences
Source: Happiness (makarios) is often a response to specific blessings or circumstances, such as righteous living or God’s provision. Joy (chara), however, is more constant and comes from a deep relationship with God, regardless of circumstances.
Stability: Joy is more enduring and resilient because it is not dependent on what happens around us but on the presence of God within us. Happiness, while it can be spiritual, may be influenced by external factors like blessings or outcomes.
Emphasis: Happiness tends to be the outcome of living in line with God's will (e.g., receiving God’s favor, forgiveness, or material provision). Joy is an expression of the believer’s inner state, grounded in faith and hope, even in difficult times.
For a Christian
For a Christian, both happiness and joy are found in Christ, but joy is deeper and more enduring. While happiness can be fleeting or tied to the moment, joy is an unshakeable trust and delight in the promises of God. As Christians grow in their relationship with Jesus, they experience the joy that transcends the ups and downs of life, reflecting the eternal hope they have in Christ. Jesus Himself exemplifies this, offering His followers not just fleeting happiness, but complete joy: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
There are crowns and promises for the obedient in Christ, for those who persevere and overcome. This is Makarios: to walk around heaven with as many crowns as possible. You don’t want to be the one crownless because you were lazy and disobedient on earth; only content with entering heaven. We may make fun of you throughout eternity….hey look at the disobedient dork who lived life on earth fulfilling their own desires, with selfish ambitions, rarely reading the Bible…not taking the love commandment seriously….I am jesting here…but imagine being that one. Salvation is a gift and we cannot earn it. Crowns are earned. There is vast reward for obedience and this is Makarios.
Crown of Life:
James 1:12: "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Revelation 2:10: "Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life."
Crown of Righteousness:
2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."
Crown of Glory:
1 Peter 5:4: "And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor."
Incorruptible Crown (or Eternal Crown):
1 Corinthians 9:25: "All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize."
Crown of Rejoicing (or the Crown for Soul-Winners):
1 Thessalonians 2:19: “After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!" (The Church is Paul’s Crown)
Victorious Crown (or the Crown for Overcomers):
Revelation 3:11: "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown."
The Reward for Self-Discipline and Perseverance:
1 Corinthians 9:24-25: "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize."
Crown of Honor and Glory for the Faithful:
Psalm 8:5: "Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor."
Reward for Faithfulness:
Matthew 5:12: "Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."
These verses emphasize the different types of crowns and eternal rewards promised to those who remain faithful, persevere, and live in service to God's kingdom. Today let us repent from sin and get motivated to obey and earn those crowns.
Workshop Idea: "Pursuing Eternal Rewards: A Call to Repentance and Faithful Living"
