Generosity vs Kindness

Generosity is associated with willingness to give to another, whereas kindness is associated with being helpful and thinking about others’ feelings.

What is Generosity?

Generosity is the virtue of being liberal in giving. We often limit the scope of generosity, but it includes being liberal of our thoughts, words, money, time, things, influence, and attention. Also, you must give without obligation, as an act of free will. The John Templeton Foundation reviewed several studies and found humans are wired for generosity. Generosity activates the reward pathways. Generous behavior is seen in children as young as 14 months. There is a strong association between psychological health and well-being. Adults who volunteer report greater quality of life, self-esteem, and greater vitality. In the workplace, generosity reduces burnout. In relationships, generosity produces greater contentment and longer-lasting partnerships. (The Science of Generosity, templeton.org)

God Enables Giving

Regardless of our place in society, we can be generous because all that is ours belongs to God, and more importantly, all that is God’s is given to us. We do not have to rely on our own devices. No matter our salary or position we have God’s promise to provide. If you have the desire to give, exercise your faith and trust that God will honor that desire.

Scripture References

Psalm 50:10

¹⁰ For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

Malachi 3:10b

¹⁰ Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Proverbs 11:25

²⁵ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

2 Corinthians 9:6

⁶ But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Philippians 2:3

³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

2 Corinthians 9:12-15 (The Message)

^12-15 Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!

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