The question of giving is something that is wrestled with in many people’s lives today. Giving is something that is, at times, a sacred thing that people find great joy in doing. But what I have also learned is that it is often looked at as a “moral duty.” We often give because we feel it is required to give rather than it being a joyful choice. We might feel the money would bring more happiness if we could spend it on ourselves instead, or we simply spend it on ourselves first, and when the time comes to give, we have nothing left.

Ultimately, from a biblical viewpoint, it is something that God has asked of us to do as a posture of surrender and gratitude, knowing that we are stewards of what God has given us. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God wants our hearts.

But what a wonderful God we serve that He also knew there would be other benefits to giving as well. You may be asking, “alright, what are the benefits?” Well, that is a great question to ask. Here are a few things that studies have shown regarding the benefits of giving.

Benefits of giving:

Giving makes our brain happy.

• Giving to something that supports or helps people for the greater good brings a sense of happiness. Our brain begins to release our “feel good” chemicals, which can help us draw closer to someone, an activity, or God.

Giving makes us value people more.

• When we give to a specific organization or person, we begin to show our value to that organization or person. In a study done with people who gave, they stated that when individuals gave to hospitals or other organizations that help people, they began to value people more and want to start helping people out more. This, in turn, plays into our life by giving us a goal to give more in some way.

Giving leaves a mark.

• The best thing when it comes to giving is the mark that it leaves on people. Even if you donate to an organization where you don’t see where the money goes, you get to see that organization being able to extend its services. This shows yourself, friends, and family the importance/impact it can have on the community, and it allows them to start giving or giving more as well.

The overall theme among people is they find a sense of joy or happiness from the act of giving, whether that be giving money, materials, or time. But do understand that giving takes personal sacrifice, and it does not always result in the giver getting something back in return. Yet, as an overall base, giving plays a heavy part in our lives. It allows us to feel good and make people feel more valued and seen. This leaves a mark on people where they want to follow the example set before them by the action you took.

Sources:

Bilberrry. “9 Positive Effects of Donating Money to Charity.” The Life You Can Save, 17 June 2022, www.thelifeyoucansave.org/blog/9-positive-effects-of-donating-money-to-charity/.

“Home.” CAF, www.cafonline.org/my-personal-giving/long-term-giving/resource-centre/five-reasons-to-give-to-charity#:~:text=In our research, Why we, their personal values and principles.

McConnell, Rev. Tim. “Devotional: Why Do We Give Back to God What Is Already God’s?” The Asheville Citizen Times, The Citizen-Times, 28 Oct. 2017, www.citizen-times.com/story/life/2017/10/28/devotional-why-do-we-give-back-to-god/795253001/.

Team, Brain and Spine. “Why Giving Is Good For Your Health.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 3 Mar. 2022, health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health/#:~:text=There is evidence that, during, a compassion and bonding chemical).