Editorial May 6, 1996 Issue

A basis for philanthropy

Russ Gerber

The world needs more givers. People who contribute in ways that improve the quality of life in their communities; volunteers who help people in need; individuals who support charitable and educational organizations.

Some people are setting aside time and devoting themselves to helping others where and when they can. But many others aren't taking part in their communities, their government, their churches, their schools. And a recent study conducted by United States Treasury Department economists shows that newly wealthy Americans are much less philanthropic than their predecessors. There is concern that this may indicate a decline in the notion of stewardship.^{"In Today's Aging Audiences, Arts See a Cheerless Tomorrow," The New York Times, February 12, 1996.}

Some may wrongly believe that to be a giver means ultimately to incur loss. Or, that someone who withholds what would benefit others is benefiting himself or herself by that much more. It is important to understand, however, that doing good for others is not a loss-producing endeavor. Neither is it truly beneficial for one to be miserly with the good he or she could be doing for others. A careful look at the Bible's message shows that giving blesses the giver as well as the receiver. "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully," says a New Testament writer. The instruction continues, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (II Cor. 9:6, 7).

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