One of the topics that really moved my heart was “What pleases GOD the most” – many times people think that God is only pleased with large sacrifices and long prayers, or even just the outward appearance. But by the word of God I have learned that the best thing that pleases God most is to obey, believe, love, humble and have a sincere heart.
God sees beyond what one sees. He inspects the heart. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 16:7, “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” This verse is a reminder to me that God cares more about being a genuine person than pretending to be one.
I also learnt that faith is very pleasing to God. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, says Hebrews 11:6. In my life, I have experienced times when I felt weak, confused and even discouraged, yet I still trusted in God even if I did not understand all of the circumstances. I learned that when I go through tough times, His heart is happy when I trust Him. God desires that we rely on Him and trust in Him's promises even in difficult times.
One of the greatest things that please God is obedience to His commandments. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” True love for God is not only verbal, but also in action. I remember a time when it was really bad when somebody insulted me and my heart was full of rage. I didn't want to engage with the person at all.
However, in the times of prayer and Bible study, I heard so much more about forgiveness and love. It was hard, but I really did forgive him/her this time. Then I felt peace in my heart that I could not express sufficiently, after that. I learned from that time that when one does what God commands, and it hurts, God is pleased with that.
God is also happy when we demonstrate love to others. Both the greatest Commandments, that we love our neighbour and God, are found in the Bible, in Matthew 22:37-39. Just because many say they love God, they hate others, gossip, or act badly toward others. I think our joy is best when we see our children loving, being kind, patient and merciful in the name of God. Little acts of kindness have big meanings to God.
Another characteristic that makes God happy is humility. Pride is not God's desire for us. James 4:6: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. I have discovered that yielding to God's will, admitting my failures and asking for His assistance when I do so sincerely, I become closer to Him and become a better soul.
Finally, God is pleased with more than just riches, popularity and outward religiosity, He is pleased with a heart that loves, it's a heart that is obedient, it's a heart that can trust, it's a heart that can forgive, it's a heart that can follow. This subject brought into my mind the realization that all of my actions are significant in God's sight. I pray that I will live everyday in a way that pleases Him, not just in words but in actions and in my heart.