Being generous
Today we will look at another principle of success, generosity. The generous are successful now in this world and will be successful in the world to come according to the scriptures. Our reading shall be as follows:
Text: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Charge the rich in this world that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, He offering to us richly all things to enjoy, that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to share, to be generous, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over, they shall give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured to you again.
We shall cover the meaning of generosity as well as the benefits of generosity. I believe that this principle will add value to our lives as believers if we put it into practice.
What do we mean by generosity?
Generous people are friendly, helpful, and willing to see good qualities in someone or something (Collins Dictionary). To be generous means to be willing to give money, help, kindness, etc., especially more than is usual or expected (Cambridge Dictionary). Generosity is often seen as a virtue, and it can be beneficial to individuals and society as a whole.
The benefits of being generous
Generosity benefits include a sense of satisfaction from helping others, improved relationships, and a positive impact on the community.
1) A sense of satisfaction from helping others
Most people want to be happy in life, and generosity appears to be an essential ingredient: 74% of high-generosity respondents reported satisfaction with their lives, compared with 60% of low-generosity respondents. In addition, respondents with high generosity were twice as likely to report that they were “very satisfied” with their lives. (Daly, 2021). Moreover, those with higher levels of generosity also reported lower levels of depression and anxiety.
Allison Winn Scotch, an American novelist, wrote: “Happiness is what you choose, what you follow, not what follows you. These are the things I have seen, these are the things I now know, these are the things I will carry with me as I go.” Be generous.
2) Improve relationships
Generosity certainly helps with your social life. Those who are highly generous reported having more friends who were willing to do favors for them (Daly, 2021). People tend to be drawn to those who are generous and are willing to help them out, so being generous makes it easier for someone to make friends and build relationships. Additionally, research has shown that people who are generous are more likely to be seen as trustworthy and reliable, which further adds to their desirability as friends. As Elbert Hubbard once wrote: “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
3) Positive impact on the community
Generosity has a ripple effect that extends beyond the individual. When someone is generous, it encourages others to act generously and help those in need. This can lead to greater levels of giving and a more positive culture in the community. This ripple effect of generosity can create a cycle of positivity that can have a lasting impact on a community. This can result in a greater sense of connectedness and an improved quality of life for everyone in the community.
Conclusion
Let us remember those who need our help. Let us show kindness and love to those that need them. Such shall increase your own joy and satisfaction in life. Generosity also increases our own joy and satisfaction as we experience the positive effects