Can I Be Happy? Yes, You Can – Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

Have generous heart

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

– 2 Corinthians 9:7-9

A kind and generous heart is always filled with happiness and never experiences a sense of lack. It’s important to acknowledge that genuine fulfillment in life often arises from acts of generosity. A heart that is not generous is like the Dead Sea, which only receives water and does not give it out, and there are individuals who go through life-taking without giving in return. In the Bible, those who experienced remarkable breakthroughs were the ones who went out of their way to be generous to others. Consider the story of the widow of Zarephath: Jesus highlighted her, noting that while many widows in Israel were suffering from hunger, she was blessed because she compassionately gave away her last bit of food. This teaches us that being a giver opens the door to receiving, and it is a key to personal fulfillment. Let this truth motivate and encourage us in our journey of generosity.

Some may possess abundant resources, but we may find ourselves spiritually and emotionally impoverished if we neglect to give back. Generosity involves not only giving material wealth but also dedicating time and effort to a cause. By being generous, we not only contribute to our happiness and fulfillment but also help others. In contrast, those who consistently take without giving may find themselves feeling increasingly empty and dissatisfied. The spiritual and emotional benefits of generosity can truly enlighten and uplift us.

Everyone desires genuine love, joy, and happiness. However, some experiences are superficial and artificial because they are based on circumstances and possessions. A Christian experiences a deep, genuine joy in their heart, which is not just a feeling but a spiritual state brought about by the Holy Spirit working within them and transforming their outward life. This transformation brings a profound sense of joy and fulfillment, uplifting us spiritually.

In the Bible, we can find powerful examples of God’s generous support for His people. One particularly striking instance is found in Exodus 17:12, where Aaron and Hur demonstrated unwavering support for Moses by physically holding up his hands when he grew tired. This act enabled Moses to maintain unwavering leadership and strength until sunset. Another inspiring account comes from Acts 9:36, which tells the story of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, a dedicated disciple in the town of Joppa. She was highly regarded for her numerous virtuous deeds and acts of compassion towards others, leaving a lasting impact on those around her. Proverbs 22:9 reinforces the importance of generosity, stating: “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”

In Acts 2:45-47, the scriptures depict the early church as a community bound together by joy and unity of spirit, fervently praising God. The members willingly sold their possessions to support those in need and generously shared the proceeds. When faced with a famine, they once again selflessly sold their belongings and entrusted the proceeds to the apostles for fair distribution. Their commitment to generous giving was a defining characteristic of their way of life.

This challenges the misconception that more money is needed to help those in need. In the past, people sold their possessions to assist, while nowadays, many have used items in their house stores that they’re unwilling to sell to donate the proceeds to help someone with food or heating in winter. We should always remain receptive to demonstrating a readiness to offer additional support, especially in terms of financial assistance, beyond what is explicitly demanded or expected.

Research has shown that individuals who consistently engage in acts of generosity tend to experience higher levels of happiness. This is because living a generous lifestyle is inherently rewarding for the recipients of the generosity and the givers themselves. Kindness is often considered to be the most elevated form of intelligence, a quality that cannot be forced or separated from those who embody it. Those with a generous spirit exude an innate aura of positivity, and their kind-hearted nature has the power to uplift and invigorate the lives of those around them, fostering a sense of connection and well-being within their communities.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

Generosity today is still one of the most beautiful acts of selflessly giving oneself and one’s possessions without expecting anything in return, purely for the satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of others. Generous individuals willingly offer assistance without expecting to receive anything in return from those they aid. This can encompass providing financial aid to those in need, but more commonly involves offering personal time, emotional support, compassion, and more. Even something as simple as providing a listening ear can be an incredibly generous gesture that can impact someone’s life. Furthermore, some individuals go beyond and support others or take a stand to enact positive change in the world, showcasing the true spirit of generosity. It’s these selfless actions and support that truly make us empathetic and compassionate.

A truly generous individual goes beyond simply giving money to others; true generosity is evident in consistently kind actions and the selfless giving of time. A kind-hearted person exudes warmth and compassion, and their acts of generosity come from a genuine place. While wealthier individuals may give money simply because they can, those with fewer resources often give their time, energy, resources, and support, understanding hardship and desiring the success of others.
These are the people who selflessly strive to make a positive impact on humanity. Their willingness to help, listen, and support others, regardless of their circumstances, demonstrates a profound generosity extending far beyond material possessions and monetary gifts. It’s about fostering a sense of community, empathy, and understanding, enriching the lives of those around them through their genuine acts of kindness and empathy. The people referred to have not only discovered true and lasting happiness but also consistently demonstrated genuine acts of kindness without faltering.

Explore more from Dr. Pastor Emmanuel Atoe inspiring collection and continue your path toward growth and empowerment:

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