9 of 76

Yes

Write now Article Tools

Giving is always better than receiving. The only problem is that you don't discover this until you start to give. I don't mean because you have to, or because it is expected of you, but because you really want to give.

Have you ever noticed children receiving gifts at Christmas time? There is usually an outburst of joy and then they settle down and start to look for more gifts. At times there is an outburst of tears at not having received what they really wanted. Either way, the joy is short-lived for the most part.

But have you noticed the radiant smiles on children who have given brothers, sisters, or parents gifts they picked out especially for them? Their joy tends to last much longer than the momentary thrill of having received something. This is because they have contributed to making someone else happy, and the warmth inside that accompanies this can be much more satisfying than any gift received. That is because there is another element involved in the process. It's called love.

Oprah Winfrey also discovered several years ago that it is better to give than to receive. On her talk show she started to surprise selected guests who had distinguished themselves by giving of themselves, by showering them with gifts. This went over so well with audiences that she started to do it on a regular basis. Especially around Christmas time she now lavishly rains gifts on everyone, including her live audiences. As a result, her show has never been so popular.

Oprah discovered a Biblical principle when she started to give. You always get much more in return. But it takes faith to initiate this process. The returns aren't always immediate or material in nature either. They can be in the form of satisfaction and a healthier frame of mind. This can contribute to less stress and longer life. Some might say that these are even better than material gifts in return.

Sadly, there are people who will never experience the true joy and personal benefits of giving because they don't have the faith to do so. They think that they somehow lose out. Sometimes you can spot them as the people who try to play the game of giving lesser gifts so they can receive bigger gifts from recipients. This is not the "spirit of giving".

Giving is a divine quality. After all, Christmas is all about God giving us the gift of his son Christ, who would go on to bring us the free gift of salvation. People who don't understand what giving is about, probably won't understand what receiving is all about either. That's why, like Scrooge, they will never be happy. They will always have the need for more.

Learn more about this author, Bohdan Rewko (Bo of T.O.).
Click here to send author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Is giving really better than receiving??
We want to hear your view. Write now!