As the year ends, many giving conversations take place. Churches, ministries, and charities across the nation contact their top givers, reconnect, and hope they will give again this year, just like they did in previous years.

As our church members manage bonuses, profit distributions, and the joy of Christmas giving, they are mindful of the charities they love and the taxes they owe. Typically, we want to maximize one and minimize the other. These actions matter a lot. But it seems that they often become the point, and we miss the big picture.

The real point is that generosity and good works lead to life! That’s why they matter.

Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35) Since He said it, that is all we need to know for it to be true. But science proves it.

How cool is that? When Jesus says something, we shouldn’t be surprised when it is proven true. Granted, there is plenty in the Bible that we cannot see the evidence of yet. But in this case, we see an instruction, a promise, and evidence of the truth.

Jesus said it: it is more blessed to give than to receive.

In the book The Paradox of Generosity, authors Smith and Davidson write, “What we have learned is the following. First, the more generous Americans are, the more happiness, health, and purpose in life they enjoy. Second, we have excellent reason to believe that generous practices actually create enhanced well-being. Third, the way Americans talk about generosity confirms and illustrates the first two points. Fourth, despite all of this, it turns out that many Americans fail to live generous lives.” Their book pulls data from the “Science of Generosity Initiative” at the University of Notre Dame.

They are not alone. Writer Arthur Brooks wrote in his article “Why Giving Makes You Happy,” “According to the Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey, a survey of 30,000 American households, people who gave money to charity in 2000 were 43% more likely than non-givers to say they were ‘very happy’ about their lives.” Brooks goes on to quote the University of Michigan’s Panel Study of Income Dynamics and Duke University to support the fact that generous people claim to be happier, healthier, and more purposeful than those who are not generous.

Consider Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 6 to encourage those who are wealthy:

• Do not trust your wealth, which is always at risk. If you need proof of this truth, then look at the first rule of investing: avoid large losses!
• Trust God, who provides all things for your enjoyment. Again, if you need proof: where and to whom you are born have a tremendous amount to do with how much wealth you have, maybe more than any other factor, and these are completely out of your control.
• Continue to be generous and do good works! What a great encouragement! You are already doing good works, and you are generous; keep it up!
• By being generous and doing good works, you are storing up a heavenly treasure (sorry, I can’t prove or disprove this one) and taking hold of a rich and abundant life today!

Jesus said that generous people are blessed. And we know that God loves a cheerful giver. But how cool is it that God created us to grow our cheerfulness by being generous? In other words, God loves a cheerful giver, and He created generosity to make you cheerful.

You were made to be generous. And the science supports the ancient truth that generous people live a life that is truly life!

Boring but true disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your CPA, attorney, and financial advisors before making any charitable gift or implementing any planning strategy. AI was used to help edit final versions, but the ideas are original.

Chris McAlpin serves as Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager with NCF Gulf South, helping individuals and families pursue generosity and lasting kingdom impact through biblical stewardship. With a background in financial advising, Chris is passionate about teaching biblical financial management and has authored books and articles on the subject. He is also the creator of The Chase podcast and serves as a volunteer prison chaplain and church elder. Chris and his wife have three teenage daughters.