Introduction: The Greek word “makarios” (#3107) is translated in the KJV as “happy” or “blessed.” This word is an adjective; the verb form denotes “to pronounce happy, blessed” (Luke 1:48; James 5:11).

Our word “makarios”; “is used in the beatitudes in Matthew 5 and Luke 6 and found seven times in Revelation (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14).” “In the beatitudes, the Lord indicates not only the characteristics that are ‘blessed,’ but the nature of that which is the highest good.” This is a spiritual joy, an inward joy; produced by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 14:17). This joy brings forth peace in the spirit.

The primary thing to see is that “blessed” or “happy” (the Greek word “makarios”) is speaking of a position and not a feeling.

For example, in the Beatitudes of Matthew 5:3-11, God is speaking to the inward nature of one who has been regenerated by the Spirit of God: the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the spiritually hungry and thirsty (for righteousness), the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, etc. These all relate to one who has the new nature (Romans 6:4-8); one who has been made a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17); one in whom Christ dwells; and one whose spirit is being conformed to Christ, not to the old man (Ephesians 4:17-25).

Therefore, the word “happy” or “blessed,” in this series of devotions, has to do with one’s position in Christ; revealed by his actions, by the doing of His Word, by the works of faith. That is, the Works of Christ, for Christ is The Faith living in us (Galatians 2:20), then prove that we are in the position of Blessed by God. (See James 1:22-23; 2:14-26.)

“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:17)

This is what Jesus was teaching in His example in John 13:13-17; when we know “these things.” What things? Who Christ is (Lord and Master); and who we are (servants of Christ); and if Christ, who is Lord and Master, manifested “humility” in the washing of the servants’ feet – then the servant ought to manifest the same attitude, and love “thy neighbor as thyself”; for the servant is not greater than the Master (Christ).

Therefore, if you are able to humble yourself and lay down your life for the brethren in every area of life (see 1 John 3:10-24; 4:7-21; John 13:34-35; etc.) – then “happy” (or blessed) are you in Christ.

To help the reader understand this principle, I submit the following outline in these devotions:

How to be Happy:

A. Performance Based on Perception (John 13:17):

“If ye know (perception) these things (the example Jesus used), happy (blessed) are ye if ye do them.”

B. Preeminence Based on Patience (James 5:11):

“Behold, we count them happy (blessed) which endure…”

C. Preservation Based on Purging (Job 5:17):

 “Behold, happy (blessed) is the man whom God correcteth…”