Two groups were given cash. One was directed to spend the money on themselves and the other was to spend the money on someone else. Before and after receiving the cash, each group was interviewed and was also given an MRI scan. What do you think they found?
The group that spent the money on others showed more brain activity in the areas associated with happiness and generosity. They reported higher levels of happiness and made more generous decisions than their self-spending counterparts. The experiment was repeated and showed similar results. Sound scientific proof that links generosity with joy and happiness.*
Jesus taught this as well, teaching his disciples to live a love-centered life and to love even those who are our enemies. He says, “A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back” (Luke 6: 38). This good measure, given without expectation, will return. Participating in the Kingdom of God gives way to a joy-filled life.
This Lent we will focus on praying, fasting, and giving. Fasting and giving are traditional Lenten practices in the church. Traditionally, people would give up material treats, such as chocolate and meat, and give the money saved, and
sometimes more, to those in need. Prayer is central to both of these practices, as fasting without prayer is a diet, and almsgiving without prayer is social outreach. The Rev. Lynne will be teaching about different ways of prayer while I will be working with Joyful Noise on prayer practices through a scratch-off Lenten action card.
As we sing out Alleluias in Easter, our focus will be on the amazing joy that comes with living a life of generosity. After two years of grief and change, we need a season filled with joy!
I was reminded of a mini-film called The Other Christmas Gift created by filmmaker Rob Bliss. It takes place in the Atlanta Metro Boy’s & Girl’s Club that mentors and supports kids, over 80 of whom live in poverty. The kids were asked what they, and their parents, wanted for Christmas. They were then presented with the very thing they asked for as well as the gift for their parents. You could imagine their faces of surprise and delight until they were posed with a dilemma: they could have only one of the items. Repeatedly, the kids sighed, rolled their eyes, groaned, and then chose the gift for their parents. One of the children said “LEGOS don’t matter. Your family does. So if it is LEGOS or family, I choose family.” Another said, “I have this opportunity to give something to my mom.” In the end, the children received both gifts and the joy that came with giving a gift was clear in their tears, eyes, and hugs. You can watch the video here.
May your springtide be filled with the same unbridled joy and love.
*Nature Communication 8, article 15964 2017
