In Christian theology, what does it mean to live a fulfilled life? 5 examples:
Example # 1: Communicating with your heart
A central aspect in Christian theology is that “God is love.” The idea that God is love has its roots in several Bible passages. In addition to 1 John 4:8 “He who does not love has not known God, for God is love.”, 1 John 4:16 is also important: “And we have known and believed the love that God has toward us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”
On page 165 of his book The power of now, Eckart Tolle explains that when the mind took over, people started to think of God as a male figure. Society became male dominated. The mind resists, attacks, fights for control and tries to possess. Communicating with God can include asking your heart questions and listening to answers that come from your heart. Doing research about love, this is what I learned.
Example # 2: Expressing thankfulness
In Christianity, thankfulness is strong part of living a fulfilled life. The Bible frequently encourages people to express gratitude. An example: 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Multiple studies report associations between spirituality and gratitude. Gratitude inspires people to be more generous, kind, and helpful. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, enjoy good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and strengthen relationships – including romantic relationships. Source 1. Source 2. For inspiration about thankfulness exercises, click here.
Example # 3: Finding purpose
In Christianity, finding purpose is considered highly important for leading a fulfilled life. Fulfillment from a profession and having a life task is strongly associated with longer-term fulfillment. Source. A starting point to find your purpose can be to ask yourself questions that help discover your values. Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning a reason for being. Source.
Example # 4: Serving other people
Using your talents and competencies to do good for others is an essential aspect of a fulfilled life. Serving other people is an example of a love language.
In Christianity, serving others is a fundamental aspect of one’s purpose. Verses like Matthew 25:35-40 highlight the importance of serving “the least of these,” suggesting that acts of kindness and service are ways to live out one’s purpose. Putting the needs of other people above one’s own needs reflects Christ’s sacrificial love (John 15:13). The greatest commandments given by Jesus are to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39).
These commandments summarize the essence of Christian ethics and highlight the importance of love in interpersonal relationships, which reflects God’s own nature. Believing that God is love calls people to love other people unconditionally and selflessly – imitating the love they have experienced from God. The concept of God’s love is inclusive and universal. It extends to all people, regardless of their background, behavior, or beliefs. This inclusivity is a powerful message of hope and acceptance.
Example # 5: Having dialogues with other people about spiritual topics
Communicating with other people about spiritual topics can help strengthen learning and personal development. 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Proverbs 27:17 also highlights the importance of mutual learning: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Sources of inspiration:
https://www.calameo.com/read/0035073793bf4b7f0c84f
https://www.calameo.com/read/0035073794fba4669cfe1
https://www.calameo.com/read/0035073790b7b340e5cd1
https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC-JTF_White_Paper-Gratitude-FINAL.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9563392/
Inspiration to create 