Many of us have experienced the numerous spiritual and financial benefits of giving. But did you know there are other surprising benefits as well?
He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Cor. 9:6-8
And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. Mal. 3:10
He who gives to the poor will not lack. Proverbs 28:27
These are but a few of the spiritual and financial benefits of giving – now let’s look at the physical benefits.
Researchers have been exploring how generosity affects our health for years. Apparently, there are several ways….such as these…
Giving is Good for Your Brain
Have you noticed when someone gives generously they light up? This reaction is called givers glow by researchers. According to research, when we give, our brain releases several chemicals that give us a sense of joy and peace, making us glow. Isn’t that awesome!
Generosity Makes Us Feel Good
I can attest to this one. People who have a heart to give are fun to be around, have you noticed? They are not just generous with money. They are generous with their time, with compliments, and in many other ways. They make those around them feel happier because they have such a giving spirit.
Giving is contagious! When someone gives, once others see the joy in giving, they want to give as well.
Generous People Often Live Longer
One study from a university found that people who give have lower stress levels. That’s huge, since stress is a risk factor in many diseases. Givers are also less likely to develop high blood pressure.
Giving delivers a host of benefits to the body and brain. So, whether you give your time or money, part of your benefits includes, lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, less anxiety and depression and increased self-esteem. That is in addition to the benefits of giving we find in God’s word.
When we have a heart to give and choose to live a life of generous giving, it has many advantages, not only for the receiver but for the giver as well. We can think of it like a big circle. When we give, we benefit others and it circles back to bless us. Reaping where we have sown, just as the Bible says.
Today I encourage you to cultivate a lifestyle of giving and reap the benefits thereof.
Buy someone a gift. Pay for their lunch. Bake them a cake. Babysit for a friend and give the parents a night out. Go sit with a friend who is going through a hard time and simply listen. There are many ways we can give and each of them contains multiplied benefits, spiritually, physically and financially. As you give, don’t be surprised if the joy of the Lord and happiness itself overtakes you in the process. Remember Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” May your generous heart bring great refreshment to you this day as you enjoy the surprising benefits of being a giver.
Meditate on this:
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
