Giving Is Good for You

Giving is good for you. It’s not simply good for the other. It is good for you too. But it’s not “good for you” like you think it is. You’re probably thinking of the “good for you” that your parents pitched when they wanted you to do something as a kid that you didn’t want to do. “Eating the peas on your plate is good for you.” -Yeah, right? “Practicing your trumpet tonight for a half-hour is good for you.” -Not when my friends are playing outside. “Doing chores like unloading the dishwasher is good for you.” -Wait, isn’t that dangerous?

You see, when you hear “giving is good for you” you’re probably thinking like your childhood self, that it’s another one of those hard things that really isn’t good for you. But wait! This is not what we mean. Giving is truly good for you. It’s good for you and not just a good idea, or good for others or good because it’s hard. It is good for you! We can prove it. Take a look at these two studies in recent years that back this up scientifically:

• A Harvard study by social psychologist Liz Dunn examined cortisol levels in response to giving away money. Cortisol, often known as the stress hormone, exists in higher levels when responding to stress and trauma. In this experiment, the more money people kept for themselves, the higher their cortisol levels were. The evidence revealed that due to lower levels of cortisol, generous people are happier and healthier than those who keep things for themselves.
• A University of Buffalo study by author Michael Poulin found that every major stress event increased an individual’s risk of death by 30%. But overall, this increase was erased for those who reported high rates of helping others, even if they still dealt with a lot of stress. The evidence suggested that giving to others significantly reduces stress-induced mortality.

Long before this research, Jesus said the same thing. He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” You won’t find this direct quote in the gospels, but Paul quotes Jesus saying this in Acts 20:35. Essentially, Jesus said “giving is good for you.” One can be certain Jesus knew of the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical benefits of giving when he said this. Giving brings God’s benefits – his blessings. And one of many benefits is reducing stress-induced sickness and mortality.

The truth is, being generous makes life about as good as it can get. A life of generosity brings about tremendous joy, perhaps more than anything else we can do. When we are generous, we are acting in direct alignment with the character of God. Anytime we do that, it comes with blessings. This is because God loves it when his kids act like they’re supposed to act. He blesses them and not just with an allowance. He blesses them with abundant life.

As we move into a holiday weekend, perhaps the last joyful activities of summer 2021, let’s have some fun by giving. Which of these things can you do?

• Do a random act of kindness.
• Bless someone with your words.
• Volunteer to help someone out.
• Spend time encouraging family or friends.
• Give money to meet a need.
• Share your expertise with another.
• Be extravagant in a gift.

Now, go take your medicine; it’s good for you!

Photo by Elaine Casap