Hallmarks of Happiness
Gary B. Sabin, of the Seventy
Elder Gary B. Sabin describes essential principles for true happiness and encourages building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, remembering our divine identity, loving and serving others, maintaining an eternal perspective, and cultivating gratitude.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Ask class members to share what they believe are the key elements to true happiness.
- Begin by discussing the concept of happiness and how it differs from worldly happiness.
- Start by sharing a personal story about a time when you felt true happiness and ask class members to do the same.
Topics
Building Upon the Foundation of Jesus Christ
Elder Sabin emphasized the importance of building our lives upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, which is essential to our happiness. Doing so prepares us for the challenges of life.
Therefore, my first observation is that building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ is essential to our happiness. This is a sure foundation, “a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”
- How has building your life on the foundation of Jesus Christ brought you happiness?
- What are some ways we can strengthen our foundation in Christ?
- How can we help others to build their lives on the foundation of Christ?
- What challenges have you overcome through your faith in Christ?
- In what ways can we make Christ the foundation of our daily lives?
Remembering Our Divine Lineage
Elder Sabin taught that understanding we are children of a loving Heavenly Father can change everything. Knowing our divine lineage brings us happiness and helps us view life as a purposeful adventure.
My second observation is that it is crucial to our happiness that we remember that we are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. Knowing and trusting this reality changes everything.
- How does knowing you are a child of God affect your daily life?
- What experiences have helped you understand your divine lineage?
- How can we help others understand their divine lineage?
- How does this knowledge influence our decisions and actions?
- How does understanding our divine lineage help us during challenging times?
Valuing the Worth of a Soul
Elder Sabin stressed the importance of remembering the worth of a soul and treating each other with kindness. Being forgiving and nonjudgmental is part of being kind.
The third hallmark for happiness is to always remember the worth of a soul. We do this best by following the Savior’s admonition: “Love one another; as I have loved you.”
- How can we better remember the worth of every soul?
- What experiences have you had that have helped you understand the worth of a soul?
- How can we show kindness and forgiveness to those around us?
- What can we do to be less judgmental and more understanding?
- How does treating others with kindness and forgiveness contribute to our happiness?
Maintaining an Eternal Perspective
Elder Sabin encouraged us to maintain an eternal perspective, which can provide clarity, comfort, courage, and hope. Seeing life from an eternal vantage point helps us appreciate our blessings.
My fourth happiness hallmark is to maintain an eternal perspective. Our Father’s plan stretches into the eternities; it is easy to focus on the here and now and forget the hereafter.
- How does maintaining an eternal perspective bring happiness?
- What experiences have helped you gain an eternal perspective?
- How can we help others maintain an eternal perspective?
- How does an eternal perspective change our view of trials and challenges?
- In what ways can we remind ourselves to maintain an eternal perspective?
Being Grateful for Our Blessings
Elder Sabin concluded by emphasizing the importance of gratitude. He stated that we will never be happier than we are grateful, and that gratitude gives birth to many other virtues.
That brings me to my fifth and final observation, which is you will never be happier than you are grateful.
- How does gratitude contribute to our happiness?
- What blessings are you grateful for?
- How can we cultivate a more grateful heart?
- What experiences have helped you recognize the importance of gratitude?
- How can we express our gratitude to God for our blessings?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What stood out to you from Elder Sabin's talk?
- How can we apply these principles of happiness in our lives?
- Why is it important to remember our divine lineage and the worth of a soul?
- How can we better remember to maintain an eternal perspective and be grateful for our blessings?
- What changes can we make in our lives to increase our happiness?
- How can we help others find true happiness?
- What are some ways we can build our lives upon the foundation of Jesus Christ?
- How does understanding our divine lineage influence our relationships with others?
- How can we show kindness and forgiveness to those who may have wronged us?
- What are some practical ways we can express our gratitude for our blessings?
