JESUS SPEAKING
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20: 35.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
The word ‘blessed’ most commonly translates in to the English word for ‘happiness.’ Those who live a ‘blessed’ life experience great joy, peace, and contentment. Such an existence can only be achieved and maintained through daily acts of selflessness and service. Sadly however, from birth, nearly all human beings are resoundingly selfishness. As the unsaved seek to acquire as many possessions as possible, most become isolated, depressed and discouraged. They are unaware that true happiness does not come from selfish gain; rather, it is the product of selfless giving.
Michael Norton, a Harvard business professor, sought to discover a link between overall happiness and daily giving. He therefore conducted an experiment in which a small amount of money was given to a group of test subjects. Half of the participants were instructed to spend the money on themselves; the other half were told to spend the money on someone else. When researchers contacted the subjects at the end of the day, they found that those who had spent the money on someone else reported feeling much happier than those who had selfishly squandered their’ allotments. [Note: In another study, Norton found that sales team productivity and relationship quality increased as salespeople were given money to spend on other team members.]
Norton had discovered that although selfish gain seemed appealing, it lacked the power bring about lasting joy. True peace and genuine contentment are the products of selflessness and sacrifice. By serving and giving to others, the believer demonstrates generosity and Christian love. As selflessness reigns in our hearts and minds, we must never forget that happiness comes not from what we might receive, but rather, from what we are willing to give.
“Lord Heavenly Father, pour out upon us Your many blessings. As we serve and love our fellows, may our hearts be filled with generosity and love. May selfishness have its end in us, and may selflessness reign in our lives, that through our sacrifices, others might come to glorify Your Holy Name. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 