“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” - Acts 20:35, NASB95

Unselfishness, or being generous; thinking of others is usually a guaranteed way to experience joy. We forget ourselves and the problems we think we have, and we bless others; allow God to flow through us to show His love! 

So, one day a couple weeks ago, when my dear 82-year-old Mom had peacefully gone to sleep to go be with the LORD in Heaven, I was still struggling a bit with negative thoughts. 

I was driving, doing errands, and suddenly had the inspiration to go get an iced tea. I hadn't had one in weeks. So, while in the drive through, I was overcoming bad thoughts with good ones, and thanking the LORD that I know Mom is with Him.

Then, remembering how very generous my dear parents were, and my Mom continually blessing others, being unselfish, even with lots of medical challenges in the past several years since she'd been a a widow, I was inspired to buy a sweet tea for the man in the truck behind me. 

I ordered mine and his, and when the young man at the window handed me mine and went to hand me the other, I said, "Please give it to the man behind me, and tell him God loves him."

He smiled really big, and said, "Yes ma'am!"

So, the LORD inspired me to be a blessing. It was such a simple thing, and didn't cost much at all, but that simple act of obedience not only brought joy to me, but to the person at the window, and, I trust, to the man in the truck behind me. 

By the way, the man in the truck behind me had a different color of skin than me, and that brought me even more joy, for we humans are all of one blood, one race: the human race! 

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. - Acts 17:26, KJV

Come to think of it, I believe there were four people who felt joy at that God-inspired act of unselfishness: Jesus being the fourth man, which He is famous for anyway! (Daniel 3:25) 

Yes, I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul. - Jeremiah 32:41, Berean Standard Bible

Hallelujah!

So, it’s always a win-win: We bring joy to others, and that blesses God’s heart and ours.

So, if I can do it, so can you! Remember, that anytime you are inspired to do a truly kind thing for someone else (and, like my example, it doesn't have to be big!), just to show them the love of God, know the LORD inspired it. You will bless the receiver, yourself, the LORD, and, most likely, others who hear about it through the smile and words of the one(s) whom you blessed! 

...you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. - 2 Cor. 9:11, NASB95

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (300 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.