Happiness Habit: Become More Like Jesus By Giving
By Rick Warren
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (Philippians 2:4-5 NLT)
Everything in your life is a gift of God, because God is generous.
God wants his children to become like him. He wants you to learn that you can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.
You say, “I really love my kids!” Do you give them your time? “I really love my wife.” Do you give her your attention? This is what love is all about. You become more loving when you become more generous.
Every time you’re generous, a change takes place in you. Every time you give, your heart moves another tweak up the dial toward God. You become more loving every time you give. You become more like Jesus.
Philippians 1:11 says, “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation — the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ — for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (NLT).
What we’re talking about here is extremely counter culture, because our culture does not tell you to give. Everything in our culture says “get.” Would you agree we’re living in an increasingly self-centered culture? Narcissism is on the rise. It’s all about me. Me, my stuff, my needs — me, me, me. We have a “me” problem!
When you’re generous, it gets the focus off you so that you can stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about others. Philippians 2:4-5 says, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Talk It Over
- What have you learned about God as you have become more generous?
- What are some ways you can counteract culture and become more generous?
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Habits of Happiness Study Kit
Now—more than ever—people are yearning for true happiness. In this brand new 6-session DVD study kit study called “The Habits Of Happiness” Pastor Rick Warren will teach you “exercises for a happy heart”, and offer biblically based ways to develop a perspective of contentment. Through this study, you’ll learn how to cultivate the transformational habits of gratitude, forgiveness, humility, and contentment, Relieve stress and conflict by staying focused on your God-given purpose. Stop comparing yourself to others. Release the pain of your past hurts. And grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus.
This devotional © 2016 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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