Doing for Others makes you Glad

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Galatians 6:2     Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ

Hebrews 13:16     Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices

 

If you live your life animated by the flesh—namely, your fallen, corrupt nature—then your mind focuses on the matters of the flesh. (YOURSELF) But if you live your life animated by the Spirit—namely, God’s indwelling presence—then your focus is on the work of the Spirit. (OTHERS) A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace. You see, a mind focused on the flesh is declaring war against God; it defies the authority of God’s law and is incapable of following His path.   Romans 8:5-7 The Voice (BOLD inserts mine)

I have noticed my happiness feels more pronounced when I am doing for others—rather than concentrating on me and my wants, desires or worries.

Volunteering in some area or doing something as simple as opening or holding a door for someone else is an act of kindness. There are so many ways we can do things for others—helping with childcare, volunteering to do some errands for someone you know can’t get out, helping walk or care for pets, delivering some meals to a family struggling with an illness…there are so many ways to help others, and take us out of our selfish, self-centered ways.

I realize many people nowadays think of ‘number one,’ and mean themselves. But truly I get such satisfaction when I reach out to help others. My life seems abundantly better when I acknowledge there is more to this world than ‘me, my, mine.’ I try to always keep my number one as God.

Pondering our troubles and worries keeps them uppermost in our minds and poisons us from spotting others’ needs, real needs, in this world. It prevents us seeing how very blessed we are, often while others near us, are not. It’s frequently easy to think we are the most important part of life. . . but it is humbling to see how blessed we may be compared to many others.

Some have suffered lost limbs, neurological deficits, continued pain, paralysis, the loss of child(ren), and so many other losses. So many suffer such pain, yet put themselves out there; not staying huddled in their home, locked in their misery, and just worried about themselves. They are out there to help and serve others.

If you give to others less fortunate, your own problems seem much less problematic and more like a part of everyday life. Look beyond yourself and reach out to help in any way you can. You’ll be pleased with how much better you feel.

And I would love to have you share with me your experience giving. I know it helps with ‘mybellaviews.’