Early in my Christian journey, I was encouraged to give ten percent of my gross income as a tithe to a church or a ministry as a reminder that all of my money was a blessing from God. I started doing that immediately and have done so for the past 48 years, although who I give it to has changed over time. This, for me, is an important reminder to hold material things loosely.
I think giving back is important for our soul.
It doesn’t have to be money; it can be time, which can be harder to give. People do this spiritual practice in many ways. Most religions talk about giving alms to the poor, and not forgetting to care for widows and orphans. Here are some ways I’ve seen this happen:
- Keep thirty one dollar bills in your car and then give one to anyone who asks at a stoplight. Having decided to “give this money away in advance,” removes the moral dilemma of “should I give this person money” every time you see someone with a sign. It’s freeing!
- If you’re someone who walks to work, keep a dollar or two in your pocket with the same intention. You can give it with love and without judgment.
- Keep water bottles in your car with a snack bar or a gift card to a local fast food restaurant rubber banded to it so you’ll have something to hand out to those who ask.
- Volunteer: there are so many opportunities, food banks and kitchens, clothes closets, food banks, animal shelters, thrift stores, etc. that benefit at-risk populations
- Tutor kids!
- Offer to read books to kids in schools.
- Deliver meals to shut-ins.
- Take your elderly neighbor to their doctor appointment or just have them over for tea.
- Send books to prisons (these usually need to come directly from the store to the prison).
You can see the list is endless. The point is to get our eyes off our woes, needs, and finances, and to get them on those who might be even worse off. We can increase our empathy while putting joy out into the world.
And this world needs more joy. Wouldn’t you agree? What is your favorite way to give back?
- Photo at top by Min An on Pexels.com
- Photo of presents by Pixabay on Pexels.com