Why We Should Engage in Good Deeds and the Rewards They Bring

As a survivor of many afflictions, I can attest to the profound impact of good deeds on one's life. Recipients of such kindness often witness significant improvements, from being able to eat well and pay bills to purchasing essential medications. The rewards of good deeds extend far beyond the material realm; they bring spiritual blessings and elevate the souls of both the giver and the receiver.

Types of Persons and Worlds We Want

The questions of why we should perform good deeds and what the rewards are ultimately boil down to two fundamental aspects: how you want to be perceived and the world you desire to inhabit.

Choice 1: Selfishness and Isolation - If you envision yourself as a selfish entity, with no friends, an alienated family, and minimal self-esteem, good deeds will be far from your mindset. This path leads to a life of isolation and limited social connections. Choice 2: Generosity and Community - Alternatively, consider becoming a generous, outward-looking individual with a solid network of friendships and a strong family foundation, along with a sense of self-respect. This quality of person is forged through habitual good deeds, as Will Durant once quoted Aristotle: "We become what we habitually do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit."

The World You Desire

Your actions play a crucial role in shaping the kind of world you want to live in:

For a world marred by dangerous neighborhoods, quotidian conflicts rooted in severe inequality and injustice, and environmental degradation, you might opt to mind your own business and express no interest in communal well-being. To create a safer realm, where individuals enjoy a reasonable level of social cohesion and a sense of fair treatment, there’s a need to band together with like-minded individuals, engage in community efforts, and support larger groups striving towards these goals.

Rewards of Good Deeds

The reward for engaging in good deeds is twofold:

Personal Development: By consistently performing good deeds, you significantly enhance your chances of becoming a decent human being, leading a useful and satisfying life. Environmental and Societal Improvement: You contribute to a better social and physical environment, making a positive impact on those around you.

Individually, these outcomes are most likely to manifest. However, on a broader scale, your contributions, no matter how small, contribute to mitigating potential global issues. Conversely, if no one engages in good deeds, the situation will inevitably deteriorate, and everyone will need to bear the consequences.

Conclusion

The justification for engaging in good deeds is not solely about external rewards but also about the intrinsic value they bring to your character and the world you inhabit. By choosing to be a giver of good deeds, you align yourself with a path of spiritual growth and a shared sense of responsibility towards creating a better tomorrow.