A generous person does good to himself, but a cruel person torments his own body (Proverbs 11:17)
A father and his young son went to the forge to repair a rake. When finished, he asked the fare. But the owner of the repair shop replied, "You don't have to pay. I'm happy to do it for you!"
Feeling bad about receiving such kindness, the father kept pressing for the receipt. Instead, the repair shop owner kept refusing. Finally, when the man's patience was running out, he called out, "Couldn't you let me do something that would bring relief?"
The workshop owner's humble reply was short, but a piece of good advice, that joy and happiness can come from a "relaxed soul." His actions are an example of the truth of Proverbs 11:17 which says, "A man who is kind does good to himself, but a cruel man torments his own body." We can also follow the example of WF Adeney who wrote, "When practicing generosity, we must start with the pain that arises because of self-sacrifice made. But believe that the pain that arises will then produce the fruit of peace and joy in our hearts."
I challenge you to love and be generous to others. When you do, you will see that doing good will bring good to ourselves and others. That is a wonderful way to relieve your soul -RWD
REACH ONE ANOTHER WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST
* Take from Daily Reflections