The study showed that there is even more to altruism. Donating also engaged the part of the brain that plays a role in the bonding behavior between a mother and child and in romantic love. This involves oxytocin, a hormone that increases trust and cooperation. When the subjects opposed giving to various causes, the part of the brain right next to it was active. This area is thought to be responsible for decisions involving punishment. And a third part of the brain, an area called the anterior prefrontal cortex, was involved in the complex, costly decisions when self-interest and moral beliefs were in conflict.
All this medical research only underlines what Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
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Let me ask you, what has been your experience? Have you discovered the generosity factor? Are you a generous person?
Back in England in the New Market Church where Charles Spurgeon first served as pastor, there was an old gentleman known as Father Sewell. One day, a meeting on behalf of world missions was being held. He was delayed and only came in at the end of the meeting. Charles Spurgeon said, “Our brother who has just come in will, I am sure, close the meeting by offering prayer for God’s blessing on the proceedings of the evening.” Sewell stood up, but instead of praying began to feel in his pockets.
“I am afraid that my brother did not understand me,” Mr. Spurgeon said. “Friend Sewell, I did not ask you to give, but to pray.”
To which the bluff old saint replied, “Aye! Aye! but I could not pray till I had given. It would be hypocrisy to ask a blessing on that which I did not think worth giving to.”
I hope, in the weeks ahead, you’ll think deeply about the generosity factor. And my prayer is that more and more of us may discover that, yes, it is more blessed to give than to receive. A spirit of generosity will transform your life.
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John A. Huffman, Jr., is Senior Pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA. He is a Contributing Editor of Preaching.
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All Scriptures in this article are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version.