The Beauty and Burden of Generosity

Giving in all ramifications is good. It is something we ought to embrace. There’s a popular saying: “Givers never lack.” I agree with this assertion to a great extent. However, this doesn’t mean we should always give in to takers. Takers often feel entitled, and that alone can demoralize the givers. It is imperative for givers to be wary of such people.

There are a lot of benefits attributed to giving.

Giving is a powerful act that benefits both the giver and the receiver. It brings people closer and reminds us that we’re all connected. Whether you give your time, money, love, or support, you’re showing care and understanding for others. It’s not only money that someone can give.

Giving also makes you feel good. It can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even help fight sadness. Helping someone often leaves you with a deep sense of joy that lasts longer than the happiness gained from material things.

It also helps build stronger relationships. When you give, people recognize your kindness, and it often inspires them to return that kindness. This fosters trust and deeper connections with others.

In communities, giving makes a significant difference. When people look out for one another, everyone benefits. It creates a safer, more caring place for all to live and grow. Community giving goes a long way.

Imagine a company giving back to its community by providing basic amenities or infrastructure to ease people’s burdens. For example, there is a particular network provider in our community with the logo and name MTN. They single-handedly built a modern classroom for an overcrowded school in the Lakowe area of Ibeju-Lekki. The students were overjoyed, as were the community members whose children attended the school. Their joy knew no bounds.

For those with spiritual or religious beliefs, giving is seen as a way to grow closer to a higher purpose. It teaches gratitude and reminds us that what we have can be used to help others. Our religious beliefs also emphasize the importance of giving. They teach humanity and empathy for those around us.

In the end, true wealth isn’t about what you keep for yourself—it’s about what you give and how you make life better for others.

Negative Effects of Giving

There is hardly anything with advantages that doesn’t also have disadvantages.
Giving is a kind and generous act, but sometimes it can have negative effects. When you give too much without setting boundaries, people may begin to take advantage of you. Some may come to expect help all the time and stop making efforts to solve their own problems. This can make them overly dependent on you.

Also, if you constantly give to others while neglecting your own needs, you may end up feeling drained—both emotionally and financially. Sometimes, giving without proper thought can hurt rather than help—for example, giving money to someone who misuses it or uses it to support bad habits.

Finally, constant giving can sometimes lead to feelings of resentment, especially if you feel unappreciated or used. It may even damage relationships instead of strengthening them. Some people are fond of being ungrateful and always expecting more. They might say, “Why give so little?”