Rules for Happy Living - Lesson 12

Teacher

Larry Johnson Teacher

Lesson Summary

During the class, Larry Johnson reviewed the concluding habit of the Rules for Happy Living series—forming happiness habits—while recapping the previous week’s focus on using time wisely and laughing and weeping with others. He emphasized Paul’s daily dedication to trust, know, suffer with, and become like Christ, citing 2 Corinthians 6:2 and Jesus’ instruction to take up the cross daily (Luke 9:23). The teacher also presented a poll about unexpected deaths among grandparents, illustrating the importance of being prepared to empathize with sudden loss. The evening’s main teaching centered on Romans 12:15, urging believers to share in both joy and sorrow with others, even enemies, and to respond with godly sympathy. A case study from James Dobson about a woman named Martha confronting deep resentment toward her father served as a practical illustration of changing perspective and extending grace. The class discussed how listening, praying, and recalling compassionate words can help us “laugh and weep with” those around us, reinforcing the biblical call to live in the present and to build habits that foster true happiness.

Key Scriptures