Why Does Helping Others Make You Happy?

Choosing to give rather than receive can transform your life in remarkable ways. By sharing your time, skills, or resources, you strengthen your bonds with others. This post will highlight the significant benefits of giving, from lifting your spirits to enhancing your relationships. Learn how even minor acts of kindness can lead to a happier, more satisfying life. Embrace the opportunity to make a positive difference through the simple act of giving.

The following four reasons are drawn from an article by Howard Dayton at Compass Financial. The full article can be found in the resources section.

1. Enhanced Intimacy - Your connection to Jesus grows stronger.

2. Improved Character - You move away from selfishness and become more like Christ.

3. Eternal Investment - Focus on treasures in Heaven instead of earthly possessions.

4. Increased Blessings - Your generosity will bring more blessings from God.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21"

I grew up an only child and in my younger years, I was all about receiving. As I became an adult, my behavior began to shift.  My husband Jon and I used to volunteer at the Chillicothe VA Hospital before our son was born.  That experience really opened my eyes as I saw the excitement and appreciation on the Veterans faces as we served them a meal, gave out gifts, and played Bingo. 

The experiences with the Veterans did help change my heart but I was not truly transformed until I became as part of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous).  The rooms of AA are filled with generous souls of all races, ethnicities, genders, and financial statuses with a common purpose of helping others recover from alcoholism. Outside the rooms, we support each other through good times and bad whether it is having coffee with someone who is feeling down, attending calling hours when a loved one is lost, or gathering in sober friendship to celebrate a birthday or holiday.  

True joy comes from giving, not getting. Being kind builds strong bonds with people. It spreads good feelings and makes our lives better. Giving can be your time, money, or just a nice smile. It can lead to cool new stuff you never saw coming. Be generous! You might find you get back more than you give. Start today. Help someone out and watch how it changes you.

Kindness can be small things. Buy a friend coffee. Help a neighbor with their yard work. These small acts show you care. Giving time is powerful too. Volunteer at a local food bank. Read to kids at the library. Your time can mean the world to someone. Even a smile can brighten a person's day. Generosity makes the world a better place. Plus, helping others feels great. When you give, you often get back more than you expect. It might be a new friend. Or a feeling of purpose. You never know what good will come from being kind. So, look for ways to give. You can change someone's life and your own.

Resources:

Compass Financial - 4 Reasons It is More Blessed to Give Than Receive

Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools

World Vision - Matthew 6:19-21 quoted text

YouVersion - Scripture Image