The liberal soul literally means the “one who blesses.” So, to continue the imagery expressed, the one who is so busy serving the plate of others that they themselves forget to eat ends up better nourished than if she had been first in line to eat. Doesn’t your experience prove this? It has been often said that God is more concerned about our holiness than our happiness. While there is truth in this statement, it misses an key component of truth. In reality, we are most happy when we are most holy. Or, to put it in different terms, we are most happy when we most resemble Christ. And it works both ways. We are most miserable when we doggedly pursue self-gratification. Just as Christ came to minister, to serve, to seek the good of others in sacrifice of his own comfort, we are commanded to model Him. But instead of this being a miserable, fruitless task, it actually leads to our greatest joy. The giver of the gift, when giving from a pure heart of love, rejoices more than the recipient. Why is this true? Hebrews says it is because “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints…” God does not forget! In taking notice of our service, He rewards us with His presence and favor. And the presence of God provides a happiness that simply cannot be found in seeking our own. Are you a liberal soul?