"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" - Acts 20:35

Research on 2,000 people over age 55 has proven that giving reduces mortality, even when you start late in life. The statistics concluded that those who volunteer for two or more organizations have a 44% lower likelihood of dying within a five-year period.

In fact, volunteering was shown to be more beneficial to longevity than exercising four times a week. It is even more helpful than attending religious worship services. Stopping cigarette smoking is the only thing that reduces mortality more volunteering does.

We truly can live healthier and longer lives based on God's instructions in the Bible. "Good Christian conduct" isn't something we do to increase God's regard for us. It is something we do in obedience to God, knowing that he loves us through his Word and wants to help us live lives abundantly here on earth.

Now that we know that helping others is personally beneficial, it is never too late to start!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for blessing me in so many ways when I give of myself to others. Help me, with each new day, to discover new, practical, beneficial ways to love others as you have loved me. Amen.

Devotion: If you have volunteered in the past, which was your favorite experience? Most personally rewarding? Most spiritually life-changing? Most appreciated by others?

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Prayer:

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Reflection:

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
- Acts 20:35