The Act of Giving

 

 Over the periods, we have had various preachers, motivational speakers and other philanthropists make good lessons on the Act of GIVING. And now we all know how important it is to give. We also know that when you give, you receive. GOD (John 3:16) is the source for Love and Giving...But there is just some understanding we probably have not had yet which makes it quite difficult for us to do such.

Causes of this phenomenon are traced to our backgrounds and numerous experiences including;

 (a) Poverty
 (b) Greed
 (c) Lack of knowledge
 (d) Disappointments
 (e) Negative mindsets

However, we can all make conscious efforts to change and be better at this universal act.

Here are some thoughts that would help you get back to action;

a) Giving in itself is a gift to you. It is not only the one given to that receives but the giver receives as well. When you give $1.00 out of your palm or pocket (heart), it is taken as if you have loaned it to the universe (or better still God). It surely is paid back with interests - "pressed down, shakened together, running over"...

However, it might not come the way you would expect. Rewards for money gifts and other forms of gifts may come in different ways

• less hospital or clinical expenses
• reduction of unnecessary losses in all aspects of your life
• peace of mind
• inner joy out of little things or nothing at all
• wisdom to manage limited resources and finances & etc

These are true benefits of giving. I have come to believe that the most valuable gifts are those that cannot be bought with physical money; and these are the rewards of the true giver. More than you bargained for, aren't they?

b) True and genuine givers enjoy the experience of inner feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment after giving out something.  Fulfillment is at the peak of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. And this is only when one accomplishes his purpose in life. I must be quick to add that Giving is a part of everybody's Purpose in life and therefore catapults you to your Self Actualization stage. That feeling alone is enough medicine for your soul.

So it doesn't really matter where you are in life or which level of the chart you are on...just do the ACT OF GIVING.

There are several short and long term, tangible and intangible rewards of giving.

Exercise:
We have to give it a try

• Give to God
• Give a smile and good healthy comments to others
• Give to the preachers on the street
• Give to the beggar, homeless or drifter
• Pay the fare for some old folks
• Give to the Security man
• Give to your spouse and family more often (this is mostly ignored)
• Give your time, resources and strength to service
• Just give give give give and continue giving....

THE GIVING TREE NEVER LACKS