In the words of Aristotle: To give away money is an easy matter and in any man’s power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power nor an easy matter.
Giving for the right purpose, at the right time, to the right degree and for the right reasons isn’t for the faint of heart. Many struggle with giving, yet we see throughout history that this virtue is encouraged as good and noble. The giver receives more reward than the receiver, is a popular thought that goes around especially in religious circles. There must be a reason why the act of giving has remained despite all the shiftings and morphing that the world has gone through. Many enjoy giving for the sake of it, others not so much, it has to come with a condition. Whatever your reason for giving is doesn’t matter. The reward for giving is always there and those who engage in the act always have a story or two to share about how much it has changed them.
In order to encourage giving, let us look at 5 reasons why you should give:
- It makes you feel good: Have you ever given a younger sibling money? How did it feel? It must have felt good when they smiled at you and ambled on to buy some candy. Giving to causes you believe in makes you feel good and positive about the world. Giving to charities and causes gives you the intense feeling of doing superhero work in the world. And you know what? You are absolutely doing incredible work with your donations.
- Gratitude: Many donate as a way to give back to the community. It is their way of showing gratitude for all they have and have become in life. Some people donate to a cause because it had somehow been instrumental in their development in the early days.
- Teaches children generosity: Giving instills the importance of giving and solidifies generosity in the hearts of children. Children learn by watching us not what we say. If you tell your child to love regardless of what people do, but they see you practice the opposite, guess which they would follow. Teaching your child to be generous by giving them money/clothes to donate in your name or theirs, will teach them more about giving than any book can. Why is this? Well, the good feeling that covered them when they gave or saw you give will stay with them long after the event is done.
- To help others: Helping others when we are in a position to do so is another reason to give. We rise by lifting others and to whom much is given, much is expected. If you have the wherewithal, help people that don’t. Help them climb up the ladder. Help them live a little better. Put a smile on the face of a family by giving.
- Influence: Did you know that your circle will be more inclined to give when they witness you donate/give? You become an influencer of men when friends and family become involved in giving because you brought them into the fold. This further increases your bond because you have a shared goal and a sense of purpose.
