tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167840066387998293.post4402591390617350467..comments2008-02-21T19:13:58.473-05:00Barefoot Preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07500496265021693250noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167840066387998293.post-76573532311429221092008-02-21T19:13:00.000-05:002008-02-21T19:13:00.000-05:00Great question.<BR/><BR/>I for one, understand the concept of self-denial in this situation. As far as suffering is concerned, the real people that are suffering are the ones in need of our help. From personal experience, I have found that the satisfaction of helping another (via financial donation, giving time, etc.) is far greater than the temporary happiness of acquiring most unnecessary material things. Although I, like many others, are guilty of enjoying the unnecessary "luxuries" that are commonplace in today's American society, it helps to remember Jesus' important message here and to put these things into perspective. I think the "Good News" in this situation is when one makes the effort to help someone who is in need and does so for the right reasons. One good reason might be because He has instructed us to do so. The intrinsic reward speaks for itself, relieving the majority of the "suffering" on our part.DefGarynoreply@blogger.com