But [dedicate your inner self and] give as donations to the poor of those things which are within [of inward righteousness] and behold, everything is purified and clean for you. (Luke 11:41 AMPC)
Most people think they can find happiness in the things other people give them. There are many who think happiness is found in the awards, recognition, glorification, and admiration others give them. Reality check: not everyone you expect to give these things to you will do so. Even after all the hard work, effort, and success, not everyone will give you the credits you think you deserve. That is where sadness and feeling unfulfilled comes in. As a matter of fact, real happiness lies not in the good things other people do to you but in the good things you can do for other people. Just like the Lord Christ Jesus. He manifested in the flesh and came into this world not to be served but to serve. He did not walk around searching for praises and glorification; instead, He went from one place to another to: heal the sick; comfort the troubled; feed the hungry; and preach the gospel of salvation. By the end of His stay on earth, He said with full sense of fulfillment, “It is finished.” We can see that if we do good and serve other people with what we have, no one will tell you to stop. Falling in love with service is a good thing because no one will stop you from doing it. And when you can always do what you love, that is happiness. No one can stop you from giving hope. No one can stop you from giving comfort. No one can stop you from putting a smile on someone else’s face. That is where real happiness comes from.
