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Is It Really More Blessed to Give Than to Receive?

'Tis the season to buy gifts and give gifts, and usually this is an exchange. But what about giving without receiving?

In 2014 in the U.S., more than $456 billion was given to charitable organizations, and nearly $40 billion of that was given in December. What do our faith traditions say about giving? Why do we give? If tax exemptions were removed for charitable giving, would you still give? What are the benefits of giving without expecting a gift in return? Where does generosity come from and how can we express it in ways that are not self-serving?

Commentary From Our Blogging Community

When the Poor Become Generous

By Chris Horst It is more blessed to give than to receive....

Why We Donate: Two 24-Year-Olds on Meaningful Support

Today, Image Director of Programs Tyler McCabe and...

Featured Panelists

Just Be Good for Goodness' Sake: Humanism and Charitable...

Humanists give because we know a higher power won't save...

Giving Because of the Character of God

For the follower of Christ, the benefits of giving, free...

Combat Materialism with Generosity

One way to challenge the prevailing consumerism of our...

From Charity to Advocacy and Deep Solidarity

Deep solidarity puts us in a mutual relationship with...

Between Justice and Charity

I convinced myself that it was sufficient to dedicate my...

Raising Generous Kids

This is the birthplace of true generosity: when it costs...

Hindus and Charity

Editors' Note: This article is part of the Patheos Public...

Daanam (and Seva) in December and Around the Year

Editors’ Note: This article is part of the Patheos Public...

From 20 cents to $2200: Adventures in Tithing

Editors' Note: This article is part of the Patheos Public...

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