Micro Giving and the Well-Being of Your Soul
Editor’s Note: Dave Krilov recently joined the Orchard Alliance team as the Financial Consultant to Alliance church and ministry leaders. In addition to serving as an Alliance pastor in large and small churches for over 15 years, Dave worked for a period of time in wealth management. He loves helping people—especially church leaders—find and maintain financial health.
What if I told you that adding a little generosity each day can significantly improve your mental health? Let me explain.
As Christ-followers, many of us are familiar with the last six words of 2 Corinthians 9:7: “. . . for God loves a cheerful giver.” These words reflect that God’s heart for His children is to experience joy and a greater sense of well-being as we practice generosity. It’s the same joy He experiences as a generous God.
Interestingly, Scripture is not the only authority bearing witness to the link between generosity and mental well-being. A recent medical study published in PubMed affirmed the connection. Read it here.
According to the study, giving even a small and insignificant amount of money each day (what they call “micro-charitable giving”) can significantly improve a person’s mood and even reduce symptoms of depression. The scientists in the study sought to test whether more frequent giving—even in minuscule amounts—could improve a person’s mental well-being. Among the various trials, donors reported reduced symptoms of depression when compared to those who actually received the donation—which seems to confirm Paul’s reference to Jesus’ words in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
An Opportunity for Church Leaders
While this research certainly provides credible support to what Jesus and the Scriptures teach us about how brings about a greater sense of well-being, I wonder if our church leaders could use this simple practice to encourage “feel-good generosity” within their congregations.
In the times we’re in, church leaders find themselves consistently trying to encourage many in their congregations who are overwhelmed by the stresses and anxieties of life. To raise their broken spirits, pastors remind their people of the tenderness of their Gentle Shepherd. They remind them of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit and teach them how to tune into His still small voice. They encourage their people to seek fresh encounters with the Father, experiencing His immense love and embracing His irrefutable promises. We are truly grateful for the earthly shepherds (sometimes sherpas!) who guide us through the mountains, valleys, and rocky terrain of life.
Pastoral leaders should consider offering micro-giving opportunities as a means to help their people experience a greater sense of well-being that comes by practicing a little daily generosity. The gifts don’t have to be grandiose. During challenging economic times, when the thought of giving larger amounts can sometimes trigger more stress and anxiety, frequent micro-giving to the church or church-supported ministries can ignite not only the joy of generosity and a sense of well-being and purpose in their congregations but also some positive momentum in their giving patterns.
Of course, micro-giving isn’t limited to financial support. You can micro-give by making your spouse’s breakfast one morning; by paying for the coffee of the person behind you in the drive-thru lane; by giving your kids a little extra money just for fun; by sending a handwritten card to someone who needs encouragement; by lending a hand to a neighbor outside working on a project. Micro-giving, like biblical stewardship, can involve our time, our talents, and our treasures.
Faith & Finance Perspective
Think of a recent experience when you offered a little time, some of your skills or spiritual gifts, or a few extra dollars to support a ministry or charitable cause—or someone going through a tough time. How did it make you feel?
Maybe you felt compassion and empathy as you shared in that person’s suffering. Maybe you felt an urge toward generosity and kindness as you caught a ministry vision. If you did, these aren’t just “pat yourself on the back,” feel-good moments. These are divine intersections where your heart is joined with the compassionate, wildly generous heart of your Heavenly Father. We can never out-give or out-care Him. But we can join Him every day—in even the most minuscule ways—to extend tangible help and lasting hope.
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
- Zechariah 4:9,10 NLT
