“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” –  Deuteronomy 15:11

The Bible is clear about our responsibility as Christians to help the poor. More than one hundred verses talk about serving the less fortunate. We may choose to give our money, time or talent to fulfill these Biblical obligations, but have you ever thought about the personal benefits of serving others?

Success means different things to different people. We all want to be successful and feel successful. For you, success may come in the form of relationships, personal development, financial freedom, health, or any number of things.

Regardless of your definition of success, serving others and lifting them out of the depths of poverty or despair can result in your best personal achievement.

Increased Networking and Friendships

One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to participate in a shared activity. Volunteering for an organization or an important cause is a great way to meet new people, strengthen your ties to a community and expand your support network. It also gives you the opportunity to practice your social skills and broaden your experiences.

The bonds we develop with others, as a result of a common interest, inspire empathy and cultivate a community that cares. Click To Tweet

Positive Emotional and Spiritual Development

Most counseling or psychology experts would agree that the more we give, the happier we feel. Volunteering or donating to a worthy cause can provide many benefits to mental health, even decreasing your risk of depression.

Doing good for others and the community provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role can also give you a sense of pride and identity, as well as a boost in self-confidence. Moreover, adhering to the teachings of the Bible helps to develop and strengthen your relationship with Christ, which leads to deeper spiritual joy and peace.

Better Fiscal Management

In this time of oppressing student loan debt, predatory lending practices, rising medical costs and income inequality, giving time, talent or treasure to charity is more important than ever. The Bible is clear about money management;

“No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” – Matthew 6:24

The real goal of money management is to free ourselves from service to wealth or debt, so that we can more fully serve God. Donating to charity helps us to remember Who we are serving and allows us to bless others with our finances.

Improved Physical Health

Being socially connected and having a sense of purpose can have a significant impact on our quality of life. Research has demonstrated the association between health risks and the lack of social interaction or physical activity. Conversely, staying active and volunteering can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Want to learn more about becoming a volunteer or supporting a worthy cause?

Please visit forgottenchildren.org and take action!

References:

Gallagos, Demetria. “Research Finds Volunteering Can be Good for You.” The Wall Street Journal, 22 Apr. 2018, www.wsj.com/articles/research-finds-volunteering-can-be-good-for-your-health-1524449280

Horoszowski, Mark. “5 Surprising Benefits of Volunteering.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 19 Mar. 2015, www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2015/03/19/5-surprising-benefits-of-volunteering/.

Settembre, Jeanette. Reprinted from Money-ish, “Volunteering is Great for Your Health.” The New York Post, 24 April 2018, nypost.com/2018/04/24/volunteering-is-great-for-your-health/

Williams, Paul. “What is God’s Plan for a Christian’s Personal Finances.” Bible Money Matters, 2007. www.biblemoneymatters.com/what-is-gods-plan-for-a-christians-personal-finances/.

“15 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering That Will Inspire You.” The Balance, Small Business, 03 July 2018, www.thebalancesmb.com/unexpected-benefits-of-volunteering-4132453