It was a boring week. I had been feeling fed up and unable to concentrate. But I couldn’t figure out why.

Near the end of the week, I found out that an aunt was suffering from kidney failure. I knew I had to visit her—but to be honest, I didn’t really want to. Still, I made my way to her place, where we had something to eat, chatted and prayed together. An hour later, I left her home feeling upbeat for the first time in days. Focusing on someone else rather than myself had really improved my mood.

Research has found that giving makes us feel satisfied. When we see we’ve made others happy, it makes us happy too. Some people believe we’re actually wired to be generous—that’s how we’re meant to live!

Maybe that’s why Paul encouraged the Thessalonian church to look after each other and “help the weak” (1 THESS. 5:14). Earlier, he had also quoted Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (ACTS 20:35).

When we give, we get a glimpse into how God feels. We understand why He’s so pleased to give us His love, and we share in the satisfaction of making others happy. I think I’ll be visiting my aunt again soon.

By: Leslie Koh

To Pray About . . .

Father, we’re made to give. Teach me to give so that I can better show Your character and be more like You today.