Why We Should Give Generously?
Let me start out with saying, I have not always been the most generous of people. In fact I’m still not. I have cynical thoughts about those people I see alongside the road with signs asking for help. I think to myself, is this someone playing me for a sucker? Is he going to walk away from here, get in his new Mercedes and drive away? Try as I may, I can’t get myself to give those folks anything.
What I have learned is when you give with joy, selflessness, and love, you benefit greatly. The attitude you bring to your giving will reflect the benefits you gain. Parents share their shelter, food, and love with their children simply because they love them and not because they seek their love. Ultimately, the rewards are tremendous.
When you give to others or give of yourself to meaningful causes, things change. You expect more of yourself. You discover new feelings of self-worth. Indeed, you begin to tap into your true gifts and talents. And when you do that, you can achieve your full potential as you help yourself and others.
For some of us it does not come easy. What I have done is to see those folks commonly referred to as the working poor. Try as they might they are doing everything they can to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. These are the folks I try and focus my efforts. I can’t get cynical here.
Do you know about a family or senior citizen who needs a little extra help during the holidays? Families are experiencing any number of issues. While the most common is unemployment, there is also the under employed, or the working poor. Both have left them at Christmas with very few resources. For senior citizens, it’s individuals who are alone because they’ve lost a spouse and have no family or they are being protected from some kind of abuse. Without our help, they won’t be celebrating Christmas.
The holiday spirit is infection this time of year. It’s the time when people are nicer, more compassionate, more giving, and usually happier. The spirit of giving is an interesting component of the overall holiday spirit. It can be loosely defined by the Webster dictionary as an inclination, impulse, or tendency to give. How can you not be intrigued by an invisible force that mystically inspires people to give more than any other time of year? Almost all non-profit organizations receive 40% of their yearly donations in the last six weeks of the year, despite the need for donations all year long.
I’m asking everyone who is able to reach out and help someone who needs you. Trust me; you will be better for it. Don't rely on your neighbor to give, because they very well be relying on you.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
Proverbs 3:27
