There is nothing as rewarding as knowing you changed someone’s life. Nothing is sweeter than seeing people you helped thriving and smiling. Knowing you have made a difference in the lives of others is priceless. There is nothing more fulfilling.
Even better, by helping others, you obtain a share in all the good they ever do as a result, as Chovos Halevavos states (10:6):
The merits of the believer — even if he would reach the loftiest goals in perfecting himself to serve Hashem, and even if he would become close [in level] to the prophets in their good character traits, their praiseworthy conduct, their effort in serving Hashem, and in their pure love for Him — are not as much as the merits of one who guides people to the good path and directs the wicked to the service of Hashem, because his merits are multiplied because of the merits [accumulated by those he has guided] every day and at all times. . . .
One who perfects only his own soul will have limited merits. But one who rectifies his soul and many other souls will have his merits multiplied in accordance with the merits of all those he has rectified [to serve] Hashem.
Chovos Halevavos gives a parable: Two merchants came to town. The first earned ten times what he invested, while the second merely doubled his investment. But because the second merchant invested much more money, he profited astronomically, while the first merchant, with all his business acumen, made just a small profit because of his modest investment.
The lesson is clear: The more people we help, the more reward we will receive and the higher we will reach. We will receive at least some credit for every good act we cause. The ripple effect of our efforts will live on and compile more into our accounts even after we are long gone! We cannot know how much of an impact we can make, both directly, through those we affect personally, and indirectly, as those we have helped go on to affect others. Our ability to rake it in spiritually is endless!
Being an ally to others will help them succeed and change their lives. But ultimately, the ones who gain the most are ourselves. By helping others, we accomplish profoundly, experience the most rewarding feeling in existence, and receive phenomenal strength to crush the yetzer hara in the battle of the generation.
Note: Guard Your Eyes can find you someone to be a mentor for! You can remain anonymous if you want. Click here: Insert GYE link.
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