More Blessed to Give?

“Research suggests that generosity is hardwired into our brains,” according to new research from Simon Fraser University in Canada (Wall Street Journal, December 24, 2014; NPR, December 24, 2014). Researchers studying young children (toddlers) have learned that young children derive far greater satisfaction from giving away “treats” to others than from keeping them for themselves (ibid.). In fact, when given the opportunity to give away their own treats versus those that did not belong to them, the children were happiest when they gave away “their own” treats. Similar research in university students demonstrated that those who gave away their money to others found far greater satisfaction than keeping the money and spending it on themselves (ibid.).

Long ago, God gave commands about giving in the Bible—Cain and Able were directed to “give” of their increase to the very creator (Genesis 4:3). The Apostle Paul noted the benefits of giving when he instructed the brethren with “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). God created us with needs and desires, and He designed us to be far happier when we are giving instead of getting--and science is now proving these ancient biblical principles to be true!

For more about giving and God’s commands to give, read our booklet God’s People Tithe.