Considering the materialistic and economic conscious society we live in, this is a very relevant question. So, can money buy happiness and love? The answer happens to be yes and no. Yes money can buy happiness and no, money cannot buy love.

The answer to the first part of the question is hidden in the meaning of happiness.

Happiness is primarily a feeling of contentment and well-being. It relies heavily on emotions, which can change as your circumstances or environment changes. In my opinion, happiness is an external force and fleeting at best. Joy on the other hand is an internal state of being, a mind set based on values and beliefs and transcends mere circumstances. Yes money can buy happiness, but not joy.

Having money and lots of it certainly does go a long way towards making life more comfortable and interesting. Money can change your environment and circumstances at will, provided you have it and are able to spend it and enjoy the results. If you are depressed, you can buy a new car or that favorite dress, go on a cruise, re-decorate the house etc. All of which will contribute directly towards your feeling(s) of happiness.

The problem is; that happiness is an emotional state of being and as your emotions change so the feeling of happiness. You keep on having to find new and better ways of stimulating yourself, keeping life interesting and boredom at bay. So you find yourself on this endless and ever more expensive quest for "new" happiness..., a journey to nowhere.

Love on the other hand, cannot be bought. When considering love, I am not referring to infatuation, lust, romantic feelings or erotic fulfillment; all of which can be bought and paid for depending on how much you are willing to spend and how frequently. No! Love is not a feeling and most certainly not linked to your emotional state.

In the words of the apostle Paul, written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:

1 Corinthians 13:2-8 (The World English Bible) If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing. (3) If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing. (4) Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, (5) doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; (6) doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; (7) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (8) Love never fails...

In its purest definition, love is a person, God Himself.

1 John 4:8 (the World English Bible) He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love.(9) By this was God's love revealed in us, that God has sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

Money cannot buy love, it is a gift, and His Name is Jesus the Christ.

Learn more about this author, Stephanus Van Schalkwyk.
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