HAPPINESS: GIVE OR TAKE?

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work
we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself
said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35

Unhappiness often comes from mirrors.
Happiness often comes from windows.
If you want to increase your chances to be miserable,
then think about yourself first
…what you want,
what people are saying about you,
what you ought to have done for you,
how down you feel,
how good you feel.
Just focus on yourself.
Does that give you a good feeling?
Selfishness and happiness don’t normally go hand in hand.
If you are thinking it is better to receive than to give,
your chances of increasing your happiness are likely to be diminished.
Happiness is enhanced by experiencing the blessings of giving that Jesus taught.

Hold out your hand and make a fist for at least one minute.
Now, relax.
Which feels better?
Releasing feels much better than grabbing, doesn’t it?
When is the last time you gave expecting nothing in return?
Giving isn’t limited to material things, either.
It can include being a listening ear, or encouraging someone, etc.
When is the last time you have encouraged someone in the ministry?
A pastor who has been called to a life of full time ministry;
a teacher who has been called to sacrifice time to share God’s Word;
a friend who goes out of his or her way to minister to those around;
a prayer warrior who is devoted to intercessory prayer for others.
Would you like to have your own spirits lifted?
Try giving in some way to someone else and see how good it feels.