Generous Givers Are Happy People - FULFILLING THE ROLE GOD HAS GIVEN TO HIS PEOPLE

God gave the first human couple instructions that should have made them think about the welfare of others, even though they were alone in the garden of Eden.  Jehovah blessed Adam and Eve and encouraged them to multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it.  (Genesis 1:28)  Just as the Creator was keenly interested in the welfare of his creation, the first human parents should have been interested in the happiness of their unborn children.  Paradise was to be extended earth-wide  for the benefit of Adam's offspring.  That huge project would require the cooperation of his every-growing family. 

For perfect men and women working to extend Paradise would have meant cooperating to the full with Jehovah to achieve his purposes, thereby entering into his rest.  (Hebrews 4:11)  Imagine how fulfilling and rewarding that project would have been!  Giving of themselves for the welfare of others would have brought them great blessings and immense satisfaction.

Today, Jehovah has given his people the work of preaching and making disciples.  To fulfill that commission, we need to be sincerely interested in the welfare of others.  We can endure in this work only if we have the right motivation-love for God and love for our neighbor.

In the first century C.E., Paul referred to himself and certain close associates as "God's fellow workers" Because of their role in planting and watering the seed of Kingdom truth.  (1 Corinthians 3:6, 9)  Today, we too can be "God's fellow workers" by generously giving of our time, resources, and energy into the divinely commissioned preaching work.  What a tremendous privilege this is! 

Next time: Generous Givers Are Happy People - Conclusion of FULLING THE ROLE GOD HAS GIVEN TO HIS PEOPLE

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