Giving, I believe, is a spiritual act.
I believe this, in part, because every major world religion points its adherents toward being generous to others:
- Judaism: Tzedakah is a Hebrew word that means “righteousness,” or “fairness.” In the Jewish faith tradition, tzedakah is operationalized as a obligation to help others and make the world more just and fair. Jewish law makes giving to charity – most regularly through a tithe – a commandment, as opposed to an option.
- Buddhism: Buddhists view the act of giving as the first of the “six perfections,” or virtuous qualities one seeks for spiritual awakening. Because Buddhism believes that all beings live interdependently, giving to help others is not mandatory, but instead, is driven by a compassion that comes from the interconnectedness of life.
- Islam: The concept of zakat or almsgiving in Islam is a way to both support the community while also purifying your actions on this earth. By giving generously, we show that we are serving God by supporting others in need. Zakat is both a commandment and one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Christianity: The many parables of Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible point Christians toward a life of understanding others and giving in support of those in need. The parable of the Good Samaritan, for instance, instructs Christians to “love your neighbor,” and redefines the concept of neighbor to include everyone, even the “stranger.” While giving is not mandatory in Christianity, giving joyfully and willingly is valued.
Tomorrow is the Christmas holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus in the Christian faith tradition. It’s the pinnacle moment each year in the “Season of Giving.”
Perhaps the most well known passage in the Christian faith tradition comes from the New Testament of the Bible – John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. . .“
This verse talks about the birth of Jesus as a gift from God to humanity. But, more than that, it directly links “love” with “giving.”
“For God so loved. . . that He gave. . .”
Yes, I believe giving is a spiritual act. But more than that, I believe that giving is the most transparent and powerful way we can show our love to and for each other.
Tomorrow (and every day), may you, your family, and friends, experience the deep sense of love that comes when we joyfully and willingly give.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
