A Great Big Happy Life

...It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive.

— Acts 20:35 (AMPC)

Since being good to people has become one of my personal goals, my " joy tank" never runs dry for very long. I’ve even discovered that when I do get sad or discouraged, I can begin to think on purpose about what I can do for someone else, and before long I’m feeling better.

You might have heard the verse, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35 NKJV). The Amplified Bible says it this way: "It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive." You may know that verse, but do you really believe it? If you do, then you’re probably doing your best to be a blessing everywhere you go. For a long time, I could quote this verse, but I obviously didn't believe it because I spent my time trying to be blessed rather than looking to bless others.

Read More: Quit the complaining

I’ve now learned that we don’t really know what joy is until we forget about ourselves, start focusing on others, and become generous givers. To be generous, we need to do more than just toss some change in a bucket during the holidays or give to our church once a week. Giving on Sunday should simply be practice for the way we live our everyday lives outside the four walls of the church. I don’t want to just give offerings; I want to be a giver. I want to offer myself every day to God for whatever He might need me to do. It took me a long time to develop this attitude, though! Over many years, I had to tell myself thousands of times, "I love people, and I enjoy helping people." If you’ll put it into practice, this thought will change your life.

As you become a generous giver, you’ll be amazed at how happy you are and how much more you enjoy life! If you want to be like God, always go the extra mile, always give more than enough, and always be generous.

Prayer Starter: Father, please help me be more intentional to love, serve and give generously. Thank You for showing me how to bless people today! In Jesus’ Name, amen.