The Giving Gene

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

The rules of the Kingdom of God are often in direct contradiction to the rules of the kingdom of this world. We tend to be so conditioned to the way things work in the world that the promises of God can seem unrealistic.

The world’s rules for prospering are to hoard what you have, use your resources on yourself, measure carefully what you give away, climb over those in your way to get more. The world’s rules for finding refreshment are to think always of your own needs, make sure no one takes advantage of you, and look out for your own interests above all else.

I’d like to tell you about a woman I have known all my life. She lives by the principle of Proverbs 11:25. She is well into her eighties, healthy and energetic, and financially secure. Though she has the resources to live extravagantly, that doesn’t interest her. She is happy to live simply.

Nothing brings her more pleasure than helping someone in need, usually doing so anonymously. She delights in giving generously to her church and other ministries. Giving is what makes her tick.

When she was younger and in better physical condition, her giving went far beyond money. She would drop whatever she was doing instantly if someone needed her. She considered it an honor rather than an imposition. She seemed never to run out of energy.

Her grown children and her grandchildren are much the same way. She has passed on the giving gene.

I know many people her age, but she is the happiest, the most cheerful, most filled-with-zest-for-life person I know—of any age. What do you think is the secret to living long and well? What is the key to spending your last years happy and fulfilled rather than regretful and bitter? Could it be that she is the living demonstration of God’s promise that “those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed”?

Lord, make me aware of every opportunity to be generous. Clean out my self-involved, self-protective, self-focused heart and make it available to you.

Want to snatch a day from the manacles of boredom? Do generous deeds, acts beyond reimbursement. Kindness without compensation. Do a deed for which you cannot be repaid.

Max Lucado(1955–), American pastor and author