Have you ever felt so low that you didn’t want to get out of bed? Have you ever felt like things would never get better? Jesus has something for you. In fact, he has three gifts to give you. The philosopher Immanuel Kant first suggested that there are three things necessary for happiness: 1. something to do, 2. someone to love, and 3. something to hope for. Jesus gave us all three.
1. Jesus gave us something to do.
Jesus told us to help people find God.
’Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people’” (Mt. 4:19).
Jesus told us to make disciples.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Mt. 28:19).
Jesus told us to share his salvation with the entire world.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Jesus gave us plenty to do.
2. Jesus gave us someone to love
Jesus told us to love God.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 11:30-31).
Jesus told us to love each other.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (Jn. 15:12).
Jesus told us to love our enemy.
You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:42-44).
Jesus gave us plenty of people to love.
3. Jesus gave us something to look forward to.
Jesus told us we could have an abundant life on earth.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (Jn. 10:10).
Jesus told us that we would be rewarded for our faithfulness.
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matt. 25:21).
Jesus told us we could have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).
Jesus gave us a lot to look forward to.
