Owosso, Michigan is home to a Habitat for Humanity Restore, where local resident Howard Kirby visited to buy a sofa for his man cave. He spent seventy dollars on an antique sofa with a rustic look and a matching ottoman, both of which still had some use left in them. Little did he know that the antique furniture came with a surprise bonus.

Kirby’s daughter unzipped the cushion after complaining about the ottoman’s awkwardly curved and uncomfortable design. She reached under the padding and gradually extracted banded stacks of one hundred dollar bills. According to Fox News, they counted a total of $43,170.

Kirby recounted the discovery to the radio station, holding out a bunch of cash, and said, “That’s when she began bringing out this.” He added, “Every once in a while, I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not seeing things or anything.”

Kirby had faced significant challenges in his life. Within a single year, he went through a heartbreaking divorce, lost a beloved relative to cancer, and survived a tumor in one of his kidneys. After being laid off, his son even moved in with him. According to MLive, he considered various ways to use the money, such as buying a new roof for his modest house or paying off medical bills. But then he felt guilty.

“At that same moment, the Holy Spirit descended upon me and said, ‘No, it’s truly not yours,’” he explained.

Although an attorney advised him that he could legally keep the cash, Kirby knew it would be unethical. So, he called the thrift shop and asked the employees to investigate the source of the sofa’s donation.

The store tracked down Kim Fauth-Newberry, the donor of the furniture, who had given the store a sofa that belonged to her late grandfather. She was shocked as she had no idea the money was hidden in the ottoman. Kirby reunited with the family and returned the money to its rightful owners.

“Being a born-again Christian, Christ in me is the one who truly handed the money back,” Kirby said. “WWJD, do you remember the bracelets? That’s exactly what Jesus would do in that situation.”

Even though Kirby felt at peace knowing he had done the right thing, he still faced his own financial challenges. Unbelievably, just a few days after returning the money, he received a call from John Conversa of Eikenhout Building Supplies. The company offered to fix his roof for free by donating supplies and covering the cost of a contractor.

Additionally, a kind Samaritan set up a GoFundMe account to help Kirby with his financial struggles, successfully raising $16,000 for the elderly man. Kirby insists he would do it all over again, regardless of the support he received.

“Because I did it, I have had so much peace, so much pleasure, and $43,000 could never purchase that much joy, serenity, or happiness,” Kirby said.

Kirby expressed his gratitude, saying, “There is so much thanks, it often boggles my mind what is occurring for me. I can’t get over how incredible it is.”

Thanks to the generous support of others, Howard Kirby has been able to get back on his feet. He no longer worries about the condition of his roof and continues to make repairs to his home while helping his family.

Kirby’s actions are proof that there are still people in the world who prioritize the needs of others over their own. Not only did he show kindness and generosity by returning the money, but he also set an example for others by doing the right thing.