Does Selfless Giving Exist?

[ClemtheCatholic]

Whenever we’re charitable aren’t we simply doing it (a) because we’re told to and we don’t want to face the consequences, and (b) because we want more rewards in Heaven?

I’ve been pondering this for some time…

Thanks,
ClemtheCatholic

 

[FightingFat]

Whenever we’re charitable aren’t we simply doing it (a) because we’re told to and we don’t want to face the consequences, and (b) because we want more rewards in Heaven?

I’ve been pondering this for some time…

Thanks,
ClemtheCatholic

True altruism…Yes it exists, giving is a pleasure in and of itself. The poorer people are, the more generous they tend to be with what little they have in my experience (eg the story of the widows mite).

 

[bzkoss236]

True altruism…Yes it exists, giving is a pleasure in and of itself. The poorer people are, the more generous they tend to be with what little they have in my experience (eg the story of the widows mite).

This is true. When I did flower deliveries in high school, I got the most tips and the most amount in tips from the poorer people I’ve delivered to. I was also very grateful for it.

 

[centurionguard]

Every year United States makes the top of the list 25 countries that gives the most in Charity globally. That to me makes a statement of selfless giving and setting an example of kindness in the hearts of many Americans.
One can never give too much in charity.

 

[90Domer]

I don’t think that is the case, as least in my family. We truly believe we are blessed with the life God has given us, hardships and all. We constantly try to put on life into perspective and choose to give (either time, talent or treasure) in thanksgiving for what we have. My school taught me to show God’s love by giving back–they didn’t have to tell or force me to do it.

 

[centurionguard]

I don’t think that is the case, as least in my family. We truly believe we are blessed with the life God has given us, hardships and all. We constantly try to put on life into perspective and choose to give (either time, talent or treasure) in thanksgiving for what we have. My school taught me to show God’s love by giving back–they didn’t have to tell or force me to do it.

I believe for the most part the instinct to charitably give is found in every persons heart.
Some choose to hide it but for the most part I’m inclined to believe people give of themselves in some manner of speaking as long as the giver doesn’t gloat or brag at what they give.
But like you I think what matters most is what is given from the human heart.

 

[meltzerboy]

Whenever we’re charitable aren’t we simply doing it (a) because we’re told to and we don’t want to face the consequences, and (b) because we want more rewards in Heaven?

I’ve been pondering this for some time…

Thanks,
ClemtheCatholic

Social psychologists have studied helping behavior in the laboratory and the field, and have come to the conclusion that there are many situational determinants–both social and cultural–which explain why, when, and whom we help or don’t help, in addition to personality factors. I think when we help family and friends, in particular, we often do so selflessly; however, this is sometimes true in the case of strangers as well.

 

[JRKH]

Whenever we’re charitable aren’t we simply doing it (a) because we’re told to and we don’t want to face the consequences, and (b) because we want more rewards in Heaven?

I’ve been pondering this for some time…

Thanks,
ClemtheCatholic

A very good question and one well worth pondering.
The reasons you express above are the first two stages in the development of Agape but there is a third…so the list would look like…
a) because we’re told to and we don’t want to face the consequences, and
b) because we want more rewards in Heaven?
c) because we Love God and we love neighbor as ourselves.

Note that the last does not negate the first two - for we are told to share…and we do wish to place our treasure in heaven…but as we mature spiritually - these become less of a factor and the third becomes dominant.

Peace
James

 

[90Domer]

I read a great book discerning this subject entitled: “Why Enough is Never Enough.” I highly recommend it. And I too believe that true giving comes from the heart and does not seek rewards. The most altruistic form of charity I believe is done anonymously. If you a seeking recognition, I sense the giving is reduced to a contractual arrangement.

 

[GratefulFred]

Yes, selfless giving does exist. And it does exist in the vast majority of humans, I suspect.

Who has not given when faced with a stark need of another and gave without any thought of getting something in return?

While we cannot give to every need, do we give selflessly as often as we can? Do we give only a token when we can afford to give more?

Selfless giving comes from a generous heart. It comes from true love of others.

 

[meltzerboy]

I read a great book discerning this subject entitled: “Why Enough is Never Enough.” I highly recommend it. And I too believe that true giving comes from the heart and does not seek rewards. The most altruistic form of charity I believe is done anonymously. If you a seeking recognition, I sense the giving is reduced to a contractual arrangement.

According to Talmudic teaching, there are several levels of charity. Anonymous giving of oneself is thought of as one of the most altruistic forms. So is charity toward animals. However, even the lowest levels of giving–grudgingly and seeking recognition, reward, and reciprocity–are considered better than not giving at all.

 

[wmw]

I think of it this way: The real difference for the value in heaven is in the difference between giving and charity. Charity requires love that takes us outside of ourselves, it must do the incalculable amount beyond what I might think is just for my own benefit; like the scripture example of walking with someone two miles when they had rudely required me to join them for one. The story of the widow’s mite tells us that the value of the charity is not in the sum of money given, but in the sacrificial love in which it is given. Therefore, without love, giving is of only a minor economic value, but charity is eternal and charity is selfless giving.

Sometimes this can seem to be more difficult than a camel going through the eye of a needle, but He warned us that that was the case for someone that counts the cost of everything (a rich man).

 

[englishredrose]

But,
Does altruism really exist because those people who simply give and expect nothing in return at all do expect to be able to give… whether their gift is actually really wanted. I think they would feel kind of hurt if someone handed them back their gift saying “no thank you” and left it at that without any further explanation. Some people enjoy giving and that is their need, that they enjoy. They like to see the joy on anothers’ face as they receive that isn’t altruistic, there is still a need somewhere along the line in giving. They need to feel good. They have the means and can make someone else feel good in short makes them feel good. No they don’t have to give, I agree. But there isn’t any real such thing as 100% alturistic giving because most of the people who give do expect a ‘thank you’ in some shape or form and also they give because they can feel good in giving. If they feel guilty in not giving - then there nothing altruistic in that as they need to feel something in the giving. I really believe there is no such concept as true altruism because they get some kind of joy in being able to etc and have that need to feel that joy in being able to give. The pleasure in being able to give is a need in itself which is fulfilled by the receiver being gracious in receiving the gift and hence to me not altruistic because there is still a need because the giver wouldn’t give or at least give up giving if they weren’t satisfied in the joy of the receiver…

It not just the materialistic return of thank you. One has to take into account the persons’ need, in wanting to give. That instantly counteracts any altruisitc act…

 

[manualman]

Whenever we’re charitable aren’t we simply doing it (a) because we’re told to and we don’t want to face the consequences, and (b) because we want more rewards in Heaven?

I’ve been pondering this for some time…

Thanks,
ClemtheCatholic

If you have to ask, I REALLY hope you aren’t a parent!

The world “love” as used in the bible almost always means precisely this: a selfless, sacrificial willingness to do what is best for the beloved. It’s the most poorly understood word in the English language.

 

[InJesusItrust]

Yes it does. I would wager that it is a work of the grace of God.

For example I gave my whole heart without reservation to a girl once and I felt no bitterness or anger when she rejected me, but stepped out of her life and wished her happiness. I loved her still, even when I knew it was impossible that I would get any return.

This kind of love and sorrow over rejection lead me straightaway to God, especially with the bridegroom and bride metaphors. I became a Christian shortly after. I had never experienced love for any creature like this before.

 

[ClemtheCatholic]

Thanks for all your answers!!!

 

[Robert_Sock]

Can we be altruistic in our prayers to God? In other word, not expecting anything in return? The expectations are subtle, but I think they are still there in that we want salvation.

 

[JRKH]

Can we be altruistic in our prayers to God? In other word, not expecting anything in return? The expectations are subtle, but I think they are still there in that we want salvation.

Yes they are subtle - so subtle in fact that I note in your comment about that you begin speaking of an expectation but end stating a desire (a want).

Actually we should pray without expectation of wanting salvation for salvation is a gift and it is better that we do not expect gifts - but rather we should simply try to prove ourselves worthy.

I desire salvation - I hope for salvation - I even trust that I will be saved, God willing - but I don’t “expect” salvation in return for my prayers.

Yes indeed these things are subtle…and easily misunderstood by many…

Peace
James

 

[mackbrislawn]

True altruism…Yes it exists, giving is a pleasure in and of itself. The poorer people are, the more generous they tend to be with what little they have in my experience (eg the story of the widows mite).

Here is a different take on the subject: but if giving is a pleasure, then we give because it is pleasurable; we give in order to experience that pleasure. So it is about us after all.

 

[JRKH]

Here is a different take on the subject: but if giving is a pleasure, then we give because it is pleasurable; we give in order to experience that pleasure. So it is about us after all.

But giving is not always a pleasure. So this does not necessarily apply.

That said - your underlying point is valid…No matter how we try to explain this thing there is always an element of tit-for-tat that can be seen as reducing the selflessness of the act.

Perhaps the most altruistic reason that one might propose is that we give - and act as Christians in order to show the truth of Christ’s teachings. To illustrate how beautiful it is to live for, with, in and through Christ - and most importantly - how much more beautiful the world could be if more people lived this way.
The goal of such is nothing more than that others might come to Christ and by coming to Christ increasing the Kingdom of God.

But then again - perhaps a selfish reason can be found even in this…

Peace
James