The Paradox of Generosity

I recently finished reading a very interesting book called, “The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose.” The authors, Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson, are leaders of the Science of Generosity Initiative based at The University of Notre Dame. 

“The Paradox of Generosity” describes research testing the premise that people who are generous over time receive tangible health and wellness benefits as a result. This is an observation made not only in the Bible, but also in the teachings of many major world religions. For the Christian church, the apostle Paul’s encouragement in 2 Corinthians 9:6, provides one example: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

The results of the Science of Generosity research, which included conversations with and surveys of large numbers of individuals throughout the United States, has led initiative leaders to conclude that it is true that people who are generous with their time, talent and treasure over a sustained period of time are happier and experience wellness to a greater degree than those who are not generous. According to the research, generosity … 

1. Fosters and reinforces positive emotions and reduces negative emotions in givers;
2. Triggers chemical systems in the brain and body that increase pleasure and experiences of reward, reduces stress, and suppresses pain;
3. Increases personal agency and self-efficacy;
4. Creates positive, meaningful social roles and personal self-identities for generous givers to live out:
5. Reduces maladaptive self-absorption;
6. Requires and reinforces the perception of living in a world of abundance and blessing;
7. Expands the number and density of social-network relational ties;
8. Promotes increased learning about the world;
9. Increases givers’ physical activity.

An obvious question when considering this research is the motivation for generosity. Are we generous because we know we will be happier and healthier? The interviews and case studies from the research indicate that generous people are aware of the benefits they receive from their generosity, but it is not their primary motivation. Instead, their generosity is motivated by factors such as their faith perspective, a desire to live into the examples set by their parents and significant others, or by personal experiences in which they benefitted from the generosity and care of others.

 

I read “The Paradox of Generosity” shortly after returning from Wheat Ridge Ministries’ 18th Annual President’s Circle Retreat in Austin, Texas. I sometimes refer to this gathering as our “stockholder’s meeting” because it brings together generous people who are making a significant investment in our seeding mission. Significant during this annual retreat are inspirational stories of impact presented by leaders of new ministries seeded by Wheat Ridge. The retreat is also a time of fun and fellowship as these like-minded people gather together.

 

It was so helpful to have on my mind those who attended this year’s retreat as I considered the implications of the Science of Generosity research. Our attendees represent so well the thousands of people who provide support for our mission and who serve others so generously through the encouragement they receive from the resources of Wheat Ridge Ministries. These wonderful people are great examples of generous living and the blessings that flow to and from both giver and receiver from generous living. Our President’s Circle Retreat is a mountaintop experience for me each year because it allows me to be inspired by, and learn from, people who are models of generous living. It is abundantly evident that these people lead generous lives, understanding that all that they possess comes from God’s abundant generosity and responding with joy to the greatest gift of all – the redemptive love of Jesus Christ. 

 

Wouldn’t it be great if living a generous life became recognized as the main prescription for happiness and wellness in the world? What if doctors prescribed generosity as a way to stay well? What if “The Paradox of Generosity” became a best seller? Imagine a world ruled by generosity, filled with people who understand and experience the observation of St. Francis of Assisi that it is in giving that we receive! 

 

Enjoy the celebration as your heart and voice is filled with joyful alleluias during this Easter season in response to God’s ultimate act of generosity, the new life that is ours through Christ’s victory over death! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!