There’s a universal truth that applies to all people everywhere at all times. It’s simply this: “when we give, we gain -- when we grasp, we lose.” This truth is not only taught throughout the Bible, it’s also taught by every other major religion, and has been verified countless times in scientific experiments. How is it possible that by giving, we gain? How is it possible that by withholding (maintaining ownership, power, or control), we lose? Join us this Sunday as we launch a brand new series called, “The Generosity Paradox.”
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THE GENEROSITY PARADOX
PARADOX: a statement that seems contradictory or implausible at first, but turns out to be true.
GENEROSITY: the virtue of freely, abundantly, and frequently giving good things to benefit others.
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV
Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25 NLT
In giving, we gain. In grasping, we lose.
Generosity is paradoxical. Those who give, receive back in turn. By spending ourselves for others’ well-being, we enhance our own standing. In letting go of some of what we own, we better secure our own lives. By giving ourselves away, we ourselves move toward flourishing. This is not only a philosophical or religious teaching; it is a sociological fact. ~ Smith & Davidson, The Paradox of Generosity
Generous People experience: 1) greater levels of happiness 2) better mental and emotional health 3) greater sense of purpose 4) less depression, and 5) greater interest in personal growth
1. The more you care for others, the less you worry about yourself.
The generosity paradox can also be stated in the negative. By grasping onto what we currently have, we lose out on better goods that we might have gained. In holding onto what we possess, we diminish its long-term value to us. By always protecting ourselves against future uncertainties and misfortunes, we are affected in ways that make us more anxious about uncertainties and vulnerable to future misfortunes. In short, by failing to care for others, we do not properly take care of ourselves. It is no coincidence that the word “miser” is . . . related to the word “miserable.” ~ Smith & Davidson, The Paradox of Generosity
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 NIV
2. Generosity increases personal agency and an abundance mentality.
Many people are disorganized, scattered, and out of control when it comes to their own money, time, and attention . . . . Being generous with that money, time, [and] attention . . . requires becoming intentional, getting organized, taking stock, setting priorities, and following through with decisions . . . . [T]hat in and of itself is already a form of personal agency exercised. ~ Smith & Davidson, The Paradox of Generosity
3. We’re wired for generosity.
When people act generously it . . . triggers the release of chemicals in the brain and body that enhance pleasure and happiness and reduce stress and pain. These include oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, vasopressin, endorphins, and prolactin. . . . Neuroscientists increasingly find that the “reward areas” of the human brain “light up” when people give generously to others. ~ Smith & Davidson, The Paradox of Generosity
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV
4. Generosity, at its core, is an expression of love.
For God so loved the world that he gave. . . . John 3:16
What habit of generosity will I begin today?
