G is for Generous

Generosity has often been seen as a virtue because, well, we love receiving those things that generous people give. It is actually quite a selfish response. But generosity is not just about things. 
According to Wikipedia it is a habit of giving without expecting anything in return. But I think that is an inaccurate definition.

According to Merriam-Webster, generosity is "the quality of being kind, understanding, and not selfish : the quality of being generous; especially : willingness to give money and other valuable things to others."

This, I believe, is a more accurate definition.

The opposite of generosity is stinginess, or being miserly. Greed itself is considered an opposite. Taking rather than giving.

The best example of this is Ebenezer Scrooge.



When people think of generosity they tend to think of philanthropy, but it really is about the attitude we have towards other people. Do we love them or do we hate them?

Looking at the Merriam-Webster definition again, it lists being kind and understanding. It isn't about tossing out lots of money or things, but about understanding others and helping those in need.

This is another virtue that has been researched.
So I'm going to list their studies here.

New Republic: Science of Generosity. Why Giving Makes You Happy.
Forbes: 7 Ways That Generosity Can Lead to Success
University of Notre Dame: What is Generosity?

And here is another site that promotes Generous Giving.

Generosity and Altruism are synonyms. But the fact that we have a separate word indicates a nuance in difference. Mostly it focuses on what we should not be. Not Miserly. Not greedy. And most definitely liking people.

I think also Christmas tends to bring out the best tales of generosity.
So I'll share 2 of my favorite film endings.


Best end for a miser, you think?

And this one is about a man with a generous personality, though not rich. Who definitely lived his life and loves people.

And it breeds generosity in others.

How is this a Godly trait? God gave us everything. What can be more generous than that?