JESUS SPEAKING
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20: 35.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
The word ‘blessed’ most commonly translates into the English word for ‘happiness.’ Those who live a ‘blessed’ life regularly experience joy, peace, and contentment. Such a pleasant existence can only be achieved and maintained through daily acts of sacrificial service. And yet, nearly all human beings are resoundingly selfish. In an endeavor to acquire as many possessions as possible, some have become isolated, depressed, and discouraged. They aren’t aware that true happiness doesn’t come from selfish gratification; but instead, is the product of selfless giving.
Michael Norton, a Harvard business professor, sought to discover a link between overall happiness and daily giving. He 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’ allotted funds. [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.]
Professor Norton had discovered that, although selfish gain seems appealing, it also lacks the power bring about lasting joy. Genuine peace and contentment are the result of selflessness and sacrifice. By serving and giving, we can demonstrate the generosity and love of Jesus Christ. May we never forget that happiness doesn’t originate from what we might receive, but rather, from what we are willing to give.
“Lord Heavenly Father, shower us with your many blessings. As we love and serve our fellows, may we be filled with happiness and joy. May our selfish desires come to an end; that through us, countless lost souls 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, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 