Good deeds are mighty, not only for the giver and the recipient of the favor but also for society as a whole.
Originally published on Newswire.net.
In addition to improving the situation of others, doing a good deed helps us achieve personal happiness, a tremendous benefit that is often overlooked. In the effort to find meaning and wellbeing in our lives, good deeds can be the vehicle that gets us there.
As far as good deeds are concerned, take a look at the Christian non-profit organization Acts 1:8 Ministry. For nearly two decades, Acts 1:8 Ministry has been empowering Christians around the world to share acts of kindness and encourage good deeds.
The value of good deeds is sometimes quite evident; for example, helping out another person has a clear beneficiary – but there are other, more subtle benefits that you may not have considered.
Below, the team behind Acts 1:8 Ministry highlights the additional benefits reaped after selflessly performing good deeds:
1. Doing good deeds makes us feel good
We are all intrinsically good-natured. Our instinct, as human beings, is to be a part of something greater than ourselves. When we put ourselves in the service of others, it takes us out of ourselves and our own struggles and reminds us that there is more to life than what is happening to us. Ultimately, it provides us with a different perspective and reminds us that we are not the only ones in the world with problems and that, perhaps, our issues are not so great after all.
2. Doing a good deed may open doors
Engaging in a selfless act often leads us down a path we have never walked before. On this journey, we may chance to meet like-minded others, people who share our values and who could become good friends or colleagues. Good deeds introduce us to new people and experiences, which can open doors to friendships and opportunities we may have never considered.
3. Good deeds encourage good deeds
Call it what you will – the law of attraction, pay it forward – the energy that a good deed creates almost always leads to more good deeds. Scientifically, it’s called the “helper’s high.” Basically, what this means is that there is science to back up the fact that when we put ourselves out there to do good in the world, it improves our mental health as well as our physical wellbeing.
4. Good deeds help us live longer and healthier lives
There have been several studies that looked into the long-term health effects of good deeds.
The results showed that the majority of subjects that did not volunteer were more likely to suffer a major illness.
Some of the measurable physiological effects of doing good deeds include:
Reduction of the stress hormone, cortisol
Increase in the antibodies that strengthen immunity
44 percent lower rate of early death from any cause
These metrics, as well as the observation that good-deed-doers were simply happier in their day-to-day lives, support the idea that those who do good deeds are actually healthier and live longer.
Isn’t this what we all aspire to?
In conclusion, doing good deeds is a noble pursuit that leads to the fulfillment of many cherished goals. Whether you are performing random acts of kindness for strangers or helping out a friend in need, doing good for others is time well-spent.
About Acts 1:8 Ministry:
Acts 1:8 Ministry is a non-profit organization that equips Christians to care, share and connect people to Christ through Christian kindness. The Planned Acts of Christian Kindness® Program has touched thousands of lives in the US and over 100 countries worldwide. Through the Water Project, over 130 water wells drilled, blessing hundreds of thousands of lives with clean water.