See No EvilSample

Did you know that helping others is scientifically reported to make you feel good? In a study called “Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey,” overseen by researchers from Harvard University, people who gave contributions of time or money were 42 percent more likely to be happy than those who didn’t give. But even if you are in favor of giving, generosity, and helping others, maybe you feel like you just can’t. You think, It’s a great idea, but there’s nothing I can do about it right now. I’ll give one day, but I doubt my $3 will make much difference today. If that’s you, check out today’s verse: You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT). The truth is, you never know how God is going to use even your small gift to make a big difference in someone else’s life. What God can do isn’t limited by what we have or don’t have. We can trust Him to take our little bit and multiply it into a lot! Our small efforts of generosity have a ripple effect that goes far beyond what we could predict. So . . . Think of one small move of generosity you can make this week. Again, don’t focus on whether or not it feels significant, because you have no idea how God might multiply your effort to impact somebody else. Maybe you have some cool stuff that someone else could use. Last year’s backpack? A coat? Use what you have, no matter how little it is, to make a difference for someone else. Think of particular needs or groups that get you excited: maybe it’s orphans, serving the homeless, tutoring in afterschool programs, helping the elderly, or helping people oversees. Or maybe it’s something else. As difficult as it is to start, when you finally unclench your fingers and let go, you realize just how good it feels to help others.