Are you a giver enough?

Philippines
August 14, 2012 2:06am CST
Many people think they are indeed a giver, some claim that they give better compared to other people. Some have different reasons of giving as well as perspective in giving. Though some people are living in an affluent life still they don't give not because they are selfish but because they have their own perspective of giving. Let me share to you a story that I've read: " A rich man once asked a friend, "why am I criticized for being miserly? Everyone knows I will leave everything to charity when I die." So the wise friend shared a certain scenario he said, let me tell you about the pig and the cow. The pig was lamenting to the cow one day about how unpopular he was. People are talking about your gentleness and kindness, said the pig. Sure, you give milk and cream, but I guess I give more; complain the the pig. I give bacon, ham, bristles. They even pickle my feet! still nobody likes me. Why is this? The cow thought a minute and replied, "well, maybe because I give while I'm still living." Just a simple thought, we can't really tell the value of giving if we just give our extras or left overs.
3 people like this
10 responses
• United States
15 Aug 12
Giving can not be defined in one definition. It is different for every person based on their personal circumstances. But what is universal with giving is that it must be from the heart to be defined as true giving. I do not look at others and judge on their willingness to give, not to give or the amount given for I do not know their story. I believe there are two types of people in this world...givers and takers. Whether my neighbor is a giver or taker will not influence me on how I treat them, because I have a giving nature. Takers will have a judgmental nature. The value of giving is in the need to give, not how much is given.
• Philippines
15 Aug 12
oneilldubberke, you have a point about the types of people that are existing in this world. The giver and the taker, and one thing is for certain about it we are both a giver and a taker.
• United States
15 Aug 12
So very true. I pray that when I reach those pearly gates my life will be seen more as a giver then the latter.
@zoey7879 (3092)
• Quincy, Illinois
15 Aug 12
Sometimes giving isn't just by giving money.. or material things... Sometimes it is the time and affection that we share with others... The hugs and comforting words and memories that we build that make us givers.
• Philippines
15 Aug 12
zoey, money and material things are not the only thing a man can give, in fact what you've mentioned are things that are so valuable to give and most people need it.
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
15 Aug 12
I have always been a giver . it makes the heart feel f=ggod to be a giver and not a taker. Still, I don't think there is such a thing a being able to give enough. there is always something more than can be done or an extra mile to go.
@jula65 (133)
• Hyderabad, India
15 Aug 12
your story is interesting. giving to others or helping others is good. another thing is that we should give the right person who really needs. i just believe helping others means we help ourselves
@Shavkat (139937)
• Philippines
17 Aug 12
The fact is, we can not please everybody. We are naturally a giver, unless if you are a person who is stingy. Then, we might as well forget the phrase, the more you give, the more you receive.
@tetris15 (539)
• Philippines
14 Aug 12
What a great and inspiring story. Well, as for me, I can say I'm too much of a giver especially when it comes to my family. My friends often told me to leave something for myself because I sometimes forget to. I guess I just found true happiness whenever I can give to them. But I learned that my friends are right because people, even your own family, can have the tendency to abuse you. So now, I'm starting to think of myself as well but I'm not complaining or anything because I still want to believe that whatever happens they are still my family and I have an obligation especially to my parents to give in any way I can.
• Philippines
15 Aug 12
Thank you for regarding my post as an inspiring one. I guess the true essence of giving is when the giver is happy of what he's doing. Taking advantage is sometimes the result when you give to much, but you can minimize them through discipline. Teach them the value of giving and receiving, as well as being a faithful receiver of the blessings they received.
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
15 Aug 12
Many people give because they have a lot. Others do give because they want to be known... but surely God appreciates more those who give even if they have so little and also those who do this in secret. Reward in heaven is in store for those who give for the sake of giving and not for the sake of publicity. Having so little is not a hindrance for sharing. It is not how much we have but how much love and compassion do we have for others. For as long as we have a merciful heart and generous hands there is no reason why we can't share the little that we have. God sees those hands that give even to the point of having none for their own expecting nothing in return. Surely God will bless them in more ways than one.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
15 Aug 12
This was a great story,,,and there is something to be said about giving while we are alive..My Mother used to say she "wants people to give her her flowers while she is alive so she can enjoy them... Being a giver is a great thing especially when its done from the heart which is the only way I give,,,
• Canada
15 Aug 12
Im a giver myself :) I love seeign smiles on peoples faces!
• Canada
15 Aug 12
Im a giver myself. I just love seeing smiles on peoples faces :)