Giving

You want to achieve true happiness in your life? Develop the habit of giving. It does not have to be monetary. Sometimes a smile can work wonders and it costs nothing! Help someone in school with their studies. Help an elder person by cleaning their yard as a good samaritan gesture. Do it with your heart. You will see the smiles you can bring to others and this will lighten up your own heart.

Giving is a basic human act of kindness. It is the opposite of being covetous. The best form of giving is when you do it without expectation of anything in return.

Rich countries like the United States and Canada ‘give’ aid to may other less fortunate countries around the world. However, when you examine the fine print of the agreements that come with the deal, in the long run the recipient would be much better off without the aid. This type of giving is more associated with exploitation of the poor by the wealthy.

Then there is the type of giving where the expectation is some type of reward like publicity. Many corporations ‘give’ donations in return for advertising which bring benefits to the corporation. Many individuals give so they can be identified ans praised for their acts of charity.

The best type of giving is when the donor does it without any expectations in return. According to a popular saying, “true giving is when the left hand does not know what the right the right hand did”. When you give, it is usually to someone in need. Some people are proud even in their poverty and would find it embarrassing to receive charity if done publicly.

The worst people on earth are the ones who covet. According to Andrew Carnegie, the great philanthropist, “the worst person is he who on his deathbed would give of his wealth because at that point he realizes he cannot take it with him!”

Giving should come from the heart. If done with genuine intent, it brings a sense of joy to the donor.

The feeling of joy you can get from giving is priceless!