Is it okay to have an expectation when giving or should we just give in appreciation for what God had done? One Sunday in November, the church sermon centered on the subject of giving.
We had a healthy debate in church about whether it still counts as giving if you’re hoping to get something back.
And then someone asked, “what does the Bible say”?
So, this is what ended the debate:
– Luke 6:38 KJV
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
During the sermon, the preacher mentioned the giving pledge started by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to encourage wealthy people to give the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes in their lifetime. At the time of this writing, it has 240 signatories, including Elon Musk.
Usually, the more money someone has, the bigger the gifts they give.
So, here is the multimillion euro question –
Do rich people give generously because they’re already rich, or do they become rich as a result of their generosity?
Let’s unpack this intriguing connection.
The Wealth Perspective (Rich people give more):
Some argue that being financially well-off enables people to give more generously. It’s like having a surplus – the more you have, the more you can share. Rich individuals may view giving as a way to contribute to causes they care about, and they can donate generously without significant financial strain.
The Generosity Angle (Giving makes people rich):
On the flip side, there’s an interesting worldview that suggests people become rich as a result of their giving. Some people even use it to trick you into giving by saying “Givers never lack”, “The givers’ hands are always on top”.
Generosity, it seems, can be a catalyst for success. This doesn’t have to just be monetary generosity.
By contributing to others’ well-being or supporting meaningful projects, you can attract positive energy, valuable experience, networking opportunities, and career/business success. Or just good old karma.
Conclusion:
So, are rich people generous because they’re rich, or do they become rich because of their generosity? The relationship between the two is complex, nuanced, and often uniquely personal. In short, it depends.
My opinion is that givers tend to be solution-oriented. They are looking to solve problems. That’s why they give.
And guess where wealth usually flows to? You guessed right. To people who provide solutions. It so happens that problem solvers get rewarded with more money in business and career.
Nevertheless, I think you’d agree with me that if you always give out everything you have, your chance of wealth accumulation or retirement (if that’s your goal) would be close to zero. If you always give out your time and energy without refreshing, you will soon be depleted.
Thinking about this connection, wealth and generosity can work together like good friends. Giving is a strong force. It doesn’t just help others; it can also shape your own journey to prosperity.
It’s the giving season. Give wisely.
