Over 150 years ago Ellen G. White wrote that “doing good is a work that benefits both giver and receiver.”Science today agrees: It is good to be good !
“The welfare of oneself (self-fulfillment) and of others (self-sacrifice) are inseparable and interrelated components of the healthy human personality in a healthy environment.”1
While we can easily recognize that someone in need will benefit from receiving help and support, what we often don’t realize is the benefit of giving.
Doing good is a healing power impacting our physical and psychosocial well-being: contributing to the maintenance of good health, increasing the release of endorphins, improving our emotional well-being, reducing isolation and enhancing resilience. Just the simple fact to provide support to some neighbors, work colleagues, friends at school or even strangers can positively impact our health and happiness.
“The efforts to bless others also react in spiritual blessings upon us. When we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, God’s constant presence with us transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience” 7BC 947. The Christian gains strength by strengthening others. “He that waters shall be watered also himself.”
On Sabbath May 18, why not look for someone, who would need some help or support and start by offering a visit, inviting for a meal or writing a message of encouragement ?
If we care, everyone will be better off. Starting with ourselves !
1Dr. S. Post.Professor, Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics, Stony Brook University, NY.