«While you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to Cod. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God» (2 Corinthians 9: 11-12).
The gross domestic product (GDP) is an indicator of economic growth that was considered for years as the reflection of the well-being of a society. Both governments and the media have seen in this index a symbol of success and progress, encouraging directly influences in people’s our happiness. mind the It idea isn’t that surprising the amount then of that our a great economic multitude income of
people are in a frenzied chase for money, accumulating assets, and things, even if the goal is proposed indefinitely.
Nevertheless, this point of view has been seriously questioned by various sectors. In 1972, the King of Bhutan, an Asian country with limited resources, proposed a new index named gross domestic happiness (GDH) to measure happiness through the quality of people’s lives.
In a more specific study, the North-American researchers Elizabeth Dunn, Lara Aknon, and Michael Norton set out to answer a question in regard to money and happiness: «What contributes more to personal happiness: spending money on others or on ourselves?» In their study, they randomly analyzed two groups of participants for experimental purposes. To the first group, they indicated they had to spend money on other people while they gave instructions to the second group to spend the same amount on themselves. The result showed that the first group, those who had spent money on others, experienced higher levels of happiness than those who spent money on themselves, concluding that spending money on others promotes happiness.
The apostle Paul points out that carrying out acts of generosity by giving money is a special type of service, because this service not only needs of others but also helps many to heartily give thanks to God. In other words, God is honored through these acts, when they come from a generous and kind heart.
Due to the fact that the outcome of donations can be great and powerful, we propose today that you make a pact with God. You can commit to making regular donations, in proportion to your income, in order to satisfy the needs of others or to serve charities. Make your calculations and decide. Remember that this type of service will simultaneously lead to praises to God.
Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Yidith C & Alejandra Zavala