9 teachings from Jesus that will change your life (and make you much happier!)

There’s a profound difference between just living life and living life with purpose, joy, and passion.

The distinction lies in the choices we make every day, and the way we perceive our experiences. Jesus Christ offered some timeless teachings that can alter these perceptions, inspiring us to live a happier and more fulfilling life.

Incorporating these teachings into our daily lives is all about understanding and embracing a new perspective. And believe me, once you start to see things through this lens, your life will never be the same again.

Here are some teachings from Jesus that if applied, will not only change your life but also make it much happier!

1) Love your neighbor as yourself

This might just be one of Jesus’s most pivotal teachings.

Let’s face it, life can be tough. And in the midst of our own struggles, it can be easy to forget about others. But Jesus taught us the importance of empathy and unconditional love.

“Love your neighbor as yourself” isn’t just about being nice to the people who live next door. It’s about seeing everyone around you – yes, even that annoying coworker or that rude cashier – as deserving of the same love and respect you give to yourself.

Think about it. When we treat others with kindness and love, it not only changes our interactions with them but also influences how we feel about ourselves. It’s the ripple effect in action.

So, if you want to change your life for the better and be happier, start by embracing this powerful teaching from Jesus. Practice love and kindness in all your interactions, and watch as it transforms your world.

Remember, it’s all about genuinely caring for others without expecting anything in return. That’s the true essence of this teaching.

2) Forgive others as you would be forgiven

This teaching from Jesus really hit home for me personally.

There was a time in my life when I held onto grudges and let the bitterness eat away at me. I felt justified in my anger, convinced that those who had wronged me didn’t deserve forgiveness.

But then I remembered what Jesus taught us: “Forgive others as you would be forgiven.” This doesn’t mean you have to forget what happened or pretend it didn’t hurt. What it does mean is letting go of the resentment and anger that only serves to poison your own peace of mind.

I decided to apply this teaching in my life. I reached out to those who had hurt me and forgave them. It was difficult at first, but with each act of forgiveness, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I felt happier, lighter, and more at peace with myself and others.

The truth is, we all make mistakes. We all need forgiveness at some point or another. By offering forgiveness to others, we’re not just making their lives better; we’re improving our own as well. It’s a powerful lesson that can change your life for the better.

3) Seek first the kingdom of God

Jesus’s teaching to “Seek first the kingdom of God” might seem a little abstract at first. But when we dive into it, we realize how transformational it can be for our lives.

The kingdom of God isn’t a physical place. It’s a state of being, a way of living that prioritizes spiritual growth and connection with the divine.

A 2019 study by Pew Research Center found that people who said they regularly felt a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being were more likely to report higher levels of happiness. This shows us that prioritizing our spiritual health can have a direct impact on our overall well-being.

If you’re looking to boost your happiness and bring about positive change in your life, take Jesus’s words to heart. Seek first the kingdom of God, nurture your spiritual growth and watch as it influences your happiness and quality of life.

4) Turn the other cheek

In a world where retaliation is often the first reaction, Jesus taught us to “turn the other cheek”. This doesn’t mean becoming a doormat or accepting abuse. It’s about choosing not to react with anger or violence, but with grace and understanding.

This teaching is all about breaking the cycle of negativity. When we respond to hurt with more hurt, it only escalates the situation and increases our own suffering. But when we choose peace over revenge, we create space for healing and growth.

Reacting with understanding instead of anger can transform our relationships and interactions. It keeps our hearts light and free from resentment. It might be tough to practice, especially in heated moments, but the peace it brings is well worth the effort.

Turning the other cheek can truly change your life and make you much happier. It’s a teaching that calls for strength, patience, and a whole lot of love.

5) Do not worry about tomorrow

In our fast-paced, always-on society, worrying about the future has become second nature to many of us. But Jesus taught us to “not worry about tomorrow.”

The teaching here is profound, reminding us to stay present and not get lost in anxieties of what may come. Worrying doesn’t change the future, it only steals the joy of the present moment.

Focusing on today and the opportunities it presents can make a world of difference to our outlook on life. It frees us from unnecessary stress and enables us to truly appreciate what we have right now.

Take a deep breath, let go of your worries about tomorrow, and engage with the present. You’ll find that this simple shift can lead to greater happiness and a sense of peace in your day-to-day life.

6) Love your enemies

This teaching from Jesus, to “love your enemies,” is perhaps one of the hardest to put into practice. But it’s also one of the most transformative.

Often, the people we classify as our ‘enemies’ are those who have hurt us deeply. It’s natural to want to shut these people out, or worse, wish them harm. But Jesus calls us to do the complete opposite – to love them.

Loving your enemies isn’t about pretending that the hurt doesn’t exist, or allowing them to continue hurting you. It’s about acknowledging the pain, but choosing love over hatred, forgiveness over resentment.

When we choose love in the face of adversity, we liberate ourselves from the chains of anger and bitterness. We open our hearts to healing and rediscover the power of compassion.

This teaching is a challenging one, but its rewards are immense. It can lead us down a path of peace, healing and happiness that is truly life-changing.

7) Give, and it will be given to you

The teaching of Jesus to “give, and it will be given to you” has had a profound impact on my life.

There was a time when I held on to everything tightly, afraid that I wouldn’t have enough if I gave too much away. Whether it was time, resources, or even love, I was always calculating, always holding back.

Then, I decided to embrace this teaching. I began to give more freely, without expecting anything in return. And something amazing happened. The more I gave, the more I seemed to get back.

It wasn’t always in the form I expected. Sometimes, it was a word of thanks that brightened my day. Sometimes, it was a returned favor at a time when I needed it most. Other times, it was simply the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving.

Giving generously and selflessly can bring a wealth of happiness into our lives. It connects us with others on a deeper level and cultivates a spirit of gratitude in our hearts. This teaching is indeed life-changing.

8) Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

This teaching from Jesus, often referred to as the Golden Rule, is fundamental to leading a rewarding and happy life.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is about respecting and valuing others just as we’d like to be respected and valued. It’s about being mindful of our actions and how they affect those around us.

When we put this teaching into practice, it can dramatically improve our relationships. It fosters empathy, understanding, and mutual respect, making our interactions more meaningful and enriching.

Moreover, treating others with kindness often leads to us being treated with kindness in return. It’s a beautiful cycle that can significantly boost our happiness and overall satisfaction with life.

Embrace this teaching in your daily interactions, and watch as it brings about positive change in your life.

9) With God, all things are possible

This powerful teaching from Jesus can be a game-changer. “With God, all things are possible” is about faith, about believing in the divine power that guides us through life’s ups and downs.

It’s a reminder that no matter how insurmountable a challenge may seem, we are not alone in facing it. With faith in our hearts and God by our side, we can overcome anything that life throws our way.

This teaching instills hope and courage. It empowers us to face our fears, tackle our problems, and embrace life with all its uncertainties. It reassures us that with faith, perseverance, and divine guidance, we can transform our lives for the better.

Final reflection: It’s all about love

The profound teachings of Jesus are deeply rooted in love. Love for yourself, love for others, and love for God.

Considered the greatest commandment by Jesus himself, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” is steeped in the belief that love is the essence of a fulfilled and joyful life.

Whether it’s showing compassion to your ‘enemies’, practicing forgiveness, or giving selflessly, each teaching is a testament to the transformative power of love.

This love isn’t confined to grand gestures; it’s in the small acts of kindness, in understanding, in patience, and in forgiveness.

So as you go about your daily life, remember these teachings. Embrace the power of love and let it guide your actions and interactions. Witness how it can change your life, bringing you much closer to happiness.

After all, it’s all about love. Life is too short for anything less.