The Joy of Giving

You know the old saying: “Money can’t buy happiness.” It’s true, unless you give it to others. Nothing compares with the feeling we get when we share with others, when we bring others joy, or when we help other people. It’s immensely satisfying to know we’ve made a difference in the life of someone else.

Given that strong sense of joy we get from giving, you’d think we would give more often. If giving is so gratifying, why is it something of a rare occasion for us? Studies have shown that people who give to others are significantly happier than those who spend more on themselves.

But at the same time, everyday bills and financial worries get the better of us. Sometimes we end up spending more than we should on satisfying our wants, not just our needs. It’s not all bad in itself, but we soon forget the joy that comes only from giving to others.

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” What sort of life are you making?

Blessings,
Pastor Paul Cook