What is better? To be good because you think God will favor you, or to be good because it comes from your innermost heart. Some people believe that God will help them if they follow the doctrines of a religion. Others think that God will favor them if they help others. But in both cases, their actions may be acts of “quid pro quo” (favor for a favor). We expect God to favor us because of an act we perform. Both are for the good, but are selfish acts neither less, and may not create true joy.
In the Tip of the Writing Brush, it is emphasized that we act from our inner most heart, which is pure, without greed, arrogance, and self love. It is only when we help others from this mind set, can we bring true joy to the recipient, and to ourselves. Help others not to benefit yourself; help others because it is the good and the right thing to do.
