#65: Easy method to live happy without much conflict

Every human being has a distorted self image.  This distortion is caused by sin.  Sin hinders our capacity to really know ourselves.

If we do not know ourselves correctly, then we accumulate false expectations as we go on with our lives. We hold false expectations in our relationship with God, our relationship with ourselves and in our relationship with others.  These series of false expectations lead to a series of frustrations that can manifest themselves through sadness, fury, bitterness and even violence.

Which then is the method to live happy without much conflict?

Before answering the question, I invite you to reflect upon a passage of the book of Judges, that might shed a light on the answer to the question.  Please pause for a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you with the reflection so that you may bear fruit in your life.

20 In his anger toward Israel the LORD said, "Inasmuch as this nation has violated my covenant which I enjoined on their fathers, and has disobeyed me,

21 I for my part will not clear away for them any more of the nations which Joshua left when he died."

22 Through these nations the Israelites were to be made to prove whether or not they would keep to the way of the LORD and continue in it as their fathers had done;

23 therefore the LORD allowed them to remain instead of expelling them immediately, or delivering them into the power of Israel.[1]

Reflection points.
1. In order for our relationship with God to prosper we must honor the alliance that we have with Him, in other words we must obey His commandments; additionaly, we must learn to hear His voice.  You might think that God calls every once in while.  God actually calls all the time.  He calls in silence in every moment of your day to suggest His will.

2. If your behaviour is no different from the people that live distant from God, then do not expect preferential treatment, only because you made the sign of the cross over your forehead sometime in the past.  We must be constant and faithful.  Only our love of God will make constancy and faithfulness possible.

3. God allows trials to purify your heart.  He releases you from your disordered affections so that your heart will be vacant for God to occupy.  If God is number one in your heart then you can be faithful.

Which is the method to live happy without much conflict?

The easy method to live happy without much conflict is humility.  Humility is the virtue that helps us to know ourselves as God sees us.  Humility helps us to have reachable expectations.  Humility helps us in every relationship, be it with God, with ourselves and/or with others.

If you want to know more about humility, I recommend that you read the writings of:

• Mother Theresa of Calcutta, 
• Saint Francis of Assisi, 
• Saint Therese of Lisieux and 
• Saint Jean-Marie Vianney.

A couple of books are also very helpful to learn about humility:

• The practice of humility by Pope León XIII, and
• Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis.

Finally, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, is the best teacher of humility after Christ himself.

Thank you for reflecting with me this passage of Holy Scripture.  This is a place where you are appreciated.  This is a place where you are loved in Christ.  You are the purpose of my blog.  May God bless you abundantly.

I love to read your comments.  What do you get from this reflection? Just write about anything you want that could be helpful to you or someone else.

[1]   Judges,  2,  20 - 23