Becoming a generous giver takes time, growth and faith. If you have met a generous giver then you know how much joy they experience and spread as they give to others. Giving is all about your attitude and if you give grudgingly, you will not experience the blessings God intended. Deuteronomy 15:10 states, “You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.” Becoming this type of “free giver” requires a commitment and practice, but is totally worth it! You may think being a generous giver means giving a lot of money, but there are many other things you can give people besides just money.
Here are six ways to give generously today:
6. Donate Your Time By Volunteering At A Nursing Home
Many residents in a nursing home can use a cheerful, smiling face. They may be staying temporarily or living there long term and may not have family in the area or familiar faces they know able to visit often. Residents have very individualized needs, so if you want to bring treats it’s best to check with staff first. Sing them a song, sit and talk with them, play cards or bring your kids to play with the residents.
5. Give Out Snacks to Kids at a Busy Park
You will need to ask permission of the kids’ parents before giving a child a treat, but this is a sure way to make kids smile and parents will appreciate the gesture. Think about giving out water, popsicles, fruit snacks, fruit, crackers – it doesn’t matter what it is because kids love to eat snacks.
4. Give Smiles, Not Rude Looks
There are times we all feel impatient and annoyed while in the check out line or after getting cut off while driving. Instead of giving out “dirty” looks while fuming, be extra cheerful and pleasant. Your mood will instantly improve and you will spread a lot of happiness everywhere you go! Sure, you may receive some strange reactions, but the more you practice being pleasant, the better you will feel.
3. Cook Dinner for a Neighbor
Do you know the people you live next to? It has become a trend to just avoid your neighbors or assume they just want to be left alone. Don’t stalk your neighbors, but pay attention to what they are doing. If they have people over often then they probably enjoy people and would welcome a visit! Make a surprise dinner for them – it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but relieving a family from dinner duty would bless them immensely!
2. Buy Coffee for Travelers in an Airport
If you travel frequently, then you probably encounter a large number of grumpy travelers. You don’t know what their day has been like, but a free coffee just because is a great way to help their trip end well. Maybe they have been on layover for six hours or their child got sick on the airplane. A kind deed like this let’s them know that they matter and this could even start a chain of good deeds to passengers that are normally in a hurry.
1. Babysit a Friend’s Kids for Free
If you have kids then you know how expensive a babysitter can be! Many parents only use one when they absolutely need one and can’t afford the luxury of going out on a date night. A single parent also needs time to run errands or even just a break to go out to dinner with friends. Spending time with other people’s kids will help you appreciate all that your friend does for his or her kids and they will feel blessed and refreshed!
Giving generously doesn’t mean you have to give a lot of money to an individual or organization. Sure, there is a place and time for giving money, but there are many more opportunities to give your time and loving attitude. If you see someone who is having a bad day, find a way to show you care. Sometimes just saying hello and talking with someone for a few minutes is all a person needs to feel cared about. The more you focus on people around you the more you will find ways to become the servant that God has called us to be. This is especially powerful in places where there are crowds of people in a hurry or who are normally unpleasant.
Article by Elise Cleary
I am a Christian writer and editor that lives in northern Michigan and thoroughly enjoy music, movies, TV shows, books and other entertainment with a Christian focus. My favorite song is "Oceans" by Hillsong United because it reminds me that has big plans for me and everyone else who puts their trust in Him. There are many movies that have impacted my life, but a few include God's Not Dead, The Shunning and Letters to God. I also write for www.faithandentertainment.com and love connecting with readers, so please don't hesitate to contact me! When I'm not writing I enjoy watching movies and laughing with my busy toddler and husband.
