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Study on True Happiness Reveals Results Consistent with Scripture

  • Veronica Neffinger

    Veronica Neffinger wrote her first poem at age seven and went on to study English in college, focusing on 18th century literature. When she is not listening to baseball games, enjoying the…

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  • Updated Dec 28, 2016

A recent study conducted by Harvard University researched the way to be truly happy, and the findings ended up being consistent with what the Bible says about true happiness.

According to ChristianToday.com, the study was conducted over a long period of time--75 years--and collected data from the lives of 268 Harvard students from different backgrounds.

George Vaillant, a psychiatrist and head researcher of the study from 1972 to 2004, recently published the findings, three of which in particular reinforce what the Bible says about happiness.

First, the study found that being truly happy involves “finding a way of coping with life that does not push love away.”

This is reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 13:13 which says: "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

It also reminds us that the ultimate love was displayed when God sent His Son Jesus to die for the sins of the world.

Second, the study revealed that deep and meaningful relationships bring much more true happiness than shallow, disposable ones.

This reminds us that God is a personal God and wants a daily close relationship with His followers. He also desires for us to be at peace and in fellowship with others.

Third, the study revealed that money does not bring lasting happiness. On the contrary, contentment is much more conducive to true happiness.

This is consistent with Scripture in many places, when it says the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10) or when it says, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).   

 

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: December 28, 2016