Some of us know that generosity can be a tricky thing. We are passionate about other people and have a strong desire to give, but sometimes have a hard time pulling the trigger on an opportunity and we don’t know why. I have realized during this season of giving, that making this decision to participate in charitable acts is something that many people, including myself, struggle with. We constantly see people around us giving their time, money, or resources and want to have this same capability and drive to make a difference. Feeling compelled and actually participating are two different things and we don’t know what is stopping us from being as altruistic as we want to be.
If there is an opportunity for hospitality in front of our faces, you would think that a reasonable person would take action. Although it seems easy to say yes and give that dollar, or pay for somebody’s meal, there are other times where we simply don’t. Even people who are kind and have big hearts will pass by a person who is crying on the side of the street or a poor person asking for money. It has been proven by science that the reasons we don’t do these things is because we believe that we are surrounded by people who will take action instead of us. This is called diffusion of responsibility. We feel like someone else will donate more, spend more time, or do more than we can. This isn’t a lack of passion, but instead a fault in the human condition that is one of many underlying reasons as to why we don't give freely.
It is natural for us to think of ourselves every second of the day. We think of the homework we have to do, the jobs we have to perform, what we're going to do on the weekend. It is hard to think about giving to others. Maybe a sudden event, a touching Facebook post, or an innovative non-profit reminds us of charitableness and sparks our interest. Sometimes we may even feel touched enough to take action on this issue but usually, when this happens, the reaction is as follows:
1. Someone else will do it.
2. I’m a college student/employee/parent. I don’t have the time, money, or resources.
3. There are other problems in the world that deserve attention.
4. I won’t really be making an important difference.
As someone who takes pride in caring about others, writing this natural response out loud troubles me, and makes me feel inadequate to those who are able to volunteer endless hours and donate their money and time. Even though this seems heartless, this response is normal and just takes some change of thought. Being charitable is a process, but it is one that is worth learning because It won't only help others, but it will help you.
Money, material possessions, and time are all things that are gifted to us from the world. We are born into this life with a set of circumstances. Some people are luckier than others. Think of being born in the middle of a Pakistani war, a tribe in the most poverty-ridden part of Africa, or as someone who is disabled. Think of all the people who are homeless, who are drug addicts, whose cardboard houses get knocked down by hurricanes. These are all circumstances that have been given to us by something bigger than ourselves.
You don’t wish to be homeless, you don’t ask to be a drug addict, you don’t envision your life taking a turn for the worst. Hard work and determination can improve our circumstances, but you can’t deny that everything good that you have was gifted to you by a greater power. Whether you believe in God, karma, or luck, you have to realize these set of circumstances don’t belong to you, but are given to you for a purpose.
To change your way of thinking, a passage in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV, says
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
Whether you are religious or not, It’s important to point out this thought process. My pastor during a service said that if instead of living for a dollar amount we can make; we should live for a dollar amount that we can give away. This is how our perspective on the world will totally change. Instead of being generous occasionally, the plan is that we should hope to have the ability to be generous on every occasion. We should not focus on how much money we make, but how much money we have to give to others. Look for opportunities that scream, I can do this, this is something that I am meant to do.
Be thinking of times where you were gifted with the capability to do something great and how you were blessed for this reason on purpose. Keep your eyes and hearts open, realize what is going on in the world, and If we think of the world in terms of what we can give, then the rest will fall into place.
