"More Happiness in Giving"

Yet, is it really wise to be self-sacrificing?  It is indeed!  Paul  knew from personal experience that such  a spirit brings rich rewards.  It brought him great happiness and immense personal satisfaction.  He explained this to the older men from Ephesus when he met with them at Miletus. Said Paul:  "I have exhibited to you in all that  by thus laboring (in a self-sacrificing way]  You must assist those who are weak, and must bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said, 'There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.' " (Acts 20:35)  Millions of people have found that manifesting this kind of spirit brings great happiness right now. It will also bring joy in the future when  Jehovah rewards those who put his interests  and those of others ahead of their own. -1 Timothy 4:8-10. 

When asked why he exerted himself in assisting others to build Kingdom Halls, Bill commented:  "Helping what are often smaller congregation in this way gives me great personal satisfaction. I enjoy using what skills and expertise i have for the benefit of others."  Why has Emma chosen to devote her energies and abilities to help others to learn  Scriptural truth?  "I could not imagine doing anything else. While still young and able to do so, I just wan to do as much as I can to please Jehovah and help others. Sacrificing some material advantages is not big thing. I am doing only what I ought to do in view of what Jehovah has done for me." 

Maurice and Betty have no regrets over not taking up a life of ease, following years of hard work in raising and providing for their family. Now that they are retired, they want  to continue doing something useful and meaningful with their lives.  "We do not simply want to sit back and relax now," they say.  "Helping others learn about Jehovah in a large foreign country gives us the opportunity to keep doing something purposeful." 

Are you determined to be self-sacrificing?  This will not be easy.  There is a constant battle between our imperfect  human desires and our earnest wish to please God.  (Romans 7:21-23) But it is a battle that can be won if we let Jehovah direct our lives.  (Galatians 5:16,17)  He surely will remember our self-sacrificing work in his service and will bless us richly.  Indeed, Jehovah  will open the floodgates of the heavens and actually empty out upon us a blessing until there is no more want.' -Malachi 3:10; Hebrews 6:10. 

Next time: SAFEGUARD YOUR NAME

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000