Chapter 41—Reflex Blessings
The Law of Action and Reaction—Divine wisdom has appointed
in the plan of salvation the law of action and reaction, making the work
of beneficence, in all its branches, twice blessed. He that gives to the
needy blesses others, and is blessed himself in a still greater degree.
God could have reached His object in saving sinners without the aid
of man, but He knew that man could not be happy without acting a
part in the great work in which he would be cultivating self-denial
and benevolence. That man might not lose the blessed results of
benevolence, our Redeemer formed the plan of enlisting him as His
co-worker.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:382
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It is as we give ourselves to God for the service of humanity that
He gives Himself to us. No one can give place in his own heart and life
for the stream of God’s blessings to flow to others without receiving in
himself a rich reward.—
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 81, 82
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Helping Others Will Develop Character—It is in doing the
works of Christ, ministering as He did to the suffering and afflicted,
that we are to develop Christian character. It is for our good that God
has called us to practice self-denial for Christ’s sake, to bear the cross,
to labor and sacrifice in seeking to save that which is lost. This is the
Lord’s process of refining, purging away the baser material, that the
precious traits of character which were in Christ Jesus, may appear in
the believer.... Through the grace of Christ our efforts to bless others
are not only the means of our growth in grace, but they will enhance
our future eternal happiness. To those who have been co-workers with
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Christ it will be said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou
hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many
things.”—
The Review and Herald, June 27, 1893
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The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and
Christlike loveliness to the character and brings peace and happiness
to its possessor.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:607
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The Source of True Happiness—In doing for others a sweet
satisfaction will be experienced, an inward peace which will be a
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