In this powerful message, Dr. Michael Youssef proclaims an urgent call to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving rooted in Biblical Truth. Drawing from Luke 17, where Jesus heals ten lepers but only one returns to give thanks, Dr. Youssef confronts our modern entitlement and ingratitude with the piercing light of God’s Word. He reminds us that true gratitude is more than polite gestures—it is a mark of spiritual maturity, expressed in humility, promptness, intensity, and determination. As we examine our hearts, this message challenges us to move beyond mere belief into fervent thanksgiving, recognizing the immeasurable grace we’ve received through Jesus Christ—our sin-bearer and Savior. Let this episode awaken in you a deeper worship and devotion, for only those who truly give thanks experience the fullness of Christ’s blessing.

In this final step of Jesus’ superstructure of true happiness, Dr. Youssef proclaims that those who live for Christ will face persecution—not for harshness or pride, but "because of righteousness" and allegiance to the Lord. The world resents the light of Christ in His people, just as Cain resented Abel and as the religious leaders hated Jesus. Yet Jesus declares such believers "blessed," promising a double portion of joy and an eternal reward. When we are insulted, slandered, or rejected for standing on the inerrant Word of God, we must not retreat but rejoice, knowing we are sharing in the suffering of the prophets and of Christ Himself. Our happiness is not found in the world’s approval, but in Christ who lives within us—and in the certainty that His Kingdom is our true home.

In this bold message, Dr. Youssef declares that peace is not found in compromise, silence, or tolerance—but only through Christ, the Prince of Peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). True peace comes at a cost—the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. The world offers a false peace that ignores sin, but God’s peace confronts sin with Truth and leads to righteousness. Peacemakers are not conflict-avoiders; they are Gospel-bearers, calling others to repentance and reconciliation with God. As children of God, we are called to reflect our Father, who made peace with us through the cross. This is the seventh step toward true happiness—becoming a vessel of God’s peace in a broken world.

In this message, Dr. Youssef teaches that purity of heart is not sinlessness, but an undivided devotion to God—where our thoughts, motives, and actions are united in obedience to Christ. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). The pure in heart are those who refuse double-mindedness, refuse compromise with sin, and daily seek cleansing through repentance. This purity is both a gift of Christ’s righteousness and a continual work of the Holy Spirit. When our hearts are united in holy purpose, we begin to see God’s hand in His Word, in creation, in suffering, and most clearly in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the sixth step toward true, lasting happiness found only in Him.

In this message, Dr. Youssef shows that true mercy is a mark of those who are being shaped into the likeness of Christ. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Mercy is not weakness, nor is it sentimental tolerance of sin. Mercy flows from a heart that has first been broken over sin, humbled in meekness, and made hungry for the righteousness of God. It is the compassion that acts, the love that forgives, and the grace that reflects the cross—where justice and mercy met through Christ’s shed blood. As believers extend mercy, they place themselves under the continual outpouring of God’s own mercy, becoming channels of His compassion and witnesses to His Gospel.

In this message, Dr. Youssef reminds us that the deepest longing of the human soul can only be satisfied by God Himself. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). This is not a hunger for religious activity or public recognition, but a burning desire for more of the righteousness of Christ within us—more of God and less of self. When we attempt to satisfy this longing with worldly approval, self-effort, or spiritual pretense, we end up weak, irritable, and spiritually starved. But when we seek the holiness and presence of Christ above all, He promises real joy, lasting peace, and the deep satisfaction that only the Holy Spirit can give. This is the fourth step in the superstructure of true happiness.

In this message, Dr. Youssef declares that true meekness is not weakness, but strength surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). This meekness grows only after we confess our spiritual bankruptcy and learn to mourn over our sin. Meekness is the power to remain steady when wronged, to trust God’s justice when others slander, and to refrain from revenge when given the chance. Dr. Youssef points to Abraham, Joseph, and ultimately Christ, whose strength was perfectly controlled in obedience to the Father. This is the third step in the superstructure of true happiness—a life yielded daily to the authority of God.

In this message, Dr. Youssef declares that true happiness is not found in ignoring sin or excusing it, but in mourning over it before a holy God. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). This mourning is not self-pity, nor the grief of earthly loss, but a deep sorrow over offending the Lord who shed His blood to redeem us. This godly sorrow opens the door for the Holy Spirit—the Comforter—to restore joy, purity, and intimacy with Christ. As the second step in the Beatitudes’ upward call, mourning flows from a heart already broken before God and leads to greater maturity, deeper repentance, and lasting happiness rooted in the righteousness of Christ alone.