Here are two more “secrets” to help you.
5. Speak the truth:
Lying leads to confusion for all involved; it destroys trust; it robs the liar and the “lied to” of the dignity we each are given by God.
To lie ensnares. The Germans have a saying, “Lies have short legs,” they can’t run far and will be caught. Being caught certainly decreases our happiness!
In contrast to speak the truth in love is freeing. We no longer have to fear we will be caught, nor do we have the stress of trying to remember what we told to whom. We can look at ourselves in the mirror without shame.
Being a truth-speaker will make you happier—and healthier–like this open and honest young man here in this picture.
6. Forgive others:
Forgiveness is the highest form of obedience to God, as it a very unnatural thing to do.
To forgive is freeing, while holding a grudge, not forgiving does more damage to ourselves than to others. Unforgiveness unnecessarily destroys relationships and brings unhappiness to all.
To refuse to forgive is like taking rat poison and waiting for the other person to die. If I don’t forgive, I tie myself to the person who harmed me: every time I think of him or her my stomach gets into knots; when I see that person I try to avoid him. He actually controls me!
This can lead to many problems, like too much stress, illnesses, other broken relationships and, of course, much unhappiness.
I must also be willing to forgive myself, which is sometimes harder than forgiving others. If Jesus says his death is sufficient to purchase forgiveness for me, who am I to say it wasn’t enough?
To forgive is to please God and it is to set myself free to have good relationships like in this second picture. It allows us to better serve God, and in that freedom, God will give us happiness.
