So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27
“There is growing evidence that the human brain is wired for generosity. Several studies have found evidence that when people help others, their brains show activity in fundamental neural circuits such as those that underlie parental caregiving. Acting generously also appears to stimulate the neural circuits involved in reward, the same circuits that are activated when we eat food or have sex, which helps to explain why giving feels good. This neural response is also a sign that generosity is important for survival—when an act feels good, we’re more likely to do it again—and thus…the behaviors that are most fundamental to our survival also tend to make us feel good.”
Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.
Two phrases from today’s research struck me.
Firstly, the fact that studies show we were “wired for generosity” reveals the image of God in us. God is the first Giver and He made us to give. He wired us to give.
When Jenni and I bought our home, it was wired for the highest available internet speeds in Colorado. Pretty cool. But if we don’t use that wiring, it’s useless. God made each one of us to give but does not force us to do it, we need to do it. This reveals the link to the second idea.
Secondly, giving is necessary for our survival. Again, God does not force us to give, we need to do it for our own well being.
Each Tuesday Jenni spends the morning with our granddaughter. This gift of her time helps our son and daughter-in-law, but it also helps our granddaughter grow. Without giving within a family unit none of us would survive. The same is true in all of life. We need to give for our survival.
God wired us to give, it’s necessary for our survival, and it feels good. So, what are ways you can grow in giving to use that wiring, to thrive, and feel great in the process.
Name one thing and go do it today.