To Give is Better Than To Receive

No doubt, this is one of the best times of the year. Our kids are anxiously awaiting the presents they have been asking for, in my case, so much so that they are asking for some gifts ahead of Christmas. Our houses are filled with lots of baking and excitement. The lights are brightly shining throughout. Overall, the best part to me is always seeing the faces of others when we see the faces of friends and loved ones when they open our gifts.

The Bible teaches us the benefits of giving in Proverbs 11:24

"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."

While the KJV version can be slightly hard to understand, let me rephrase. Many give a lot, and get more, while some hold back on giving and end up poor.

What does this teach us? We cannot outgive!! Giving does so much for us that we never realize. I can probably share many stories where someone gave what they could, only to be blessed far above in other ways.

Numerous research studies show how giving helps our minds, and bodies in a scientific way. Below is a link to a study from the Cleveland Clinic that shows what giving does to our mental and physical health. In summary, it lowers our blood pressure, increases our feelings of connectedness, reduces stress, and gives us a "high" or a feel-good attitude. When we are on a high after giving, it makes us smile, it prevents us from feeling down, and when in doubt, all you have to see is that smile in your mind to feel good again.

While we are in a time of year of giving, I believe and coach all my clients to make giving a priority throughout the year. No matter what you do, giving changes your perspective on life. It helps us through the difficult times. When we are in doubt we always have the smiles to see from those that we have supported and given to in the past.

So in 2025, make giving a priority. Remember you can do this in many ways, via your time or your money.

Cleveland Clinic Article - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health