Counseling Blog | The Dunham School | Private PreK-12 | Baton Rouge, LA

Counseling Blog

December 2025

How Giving is a blessing to you

The Christmas Season is here! Now is the time where we spout our common cliches of “giving is more important than receiving” or “it’s more important to give than receive”. It is actually a biblical concept. Many people know it, but don’t really believe it. It just sounds nice to say because we do not want to look selfish. Let’s look at this concept from a Biblical perspective and how modern science is actually backing up how important giving and charity is to our mental health and well-being.

We often feel overwhelmed, anxious, isolated, and uncertain, where do we turn for true peace? As followers of Christ, we know the answer lies not in self-focused pursuits but in the call to love and serve others. That is not the common norm in our society. We usually receive the advice to be more self focused. Go on a nice vacation, take some “me” time or treat yourself to some vice. This is usually a momentarily escape from our issues though. Instead, Jesus is always our model. He was constantly serving in the Gospel. He served by washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17), teaching us that "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). Yet, what if serving others – through acts of charity, volunteering, or simple kindness – doesn't just bless the recipient but profoundly heals the giver's own heart?

Recent research proves this timeless biblical truth, revealing that generosity isn't just a moral duty; it's a pathway to improved mental health. Studies show that when we give, our brains light up with joy, stress diminishes, and a deeper sense of purpose and wellbeing emerges. In this post, we'll explore these findings through a Christian lens, seeing how God's design for selfless love aligns perfectly with the science of well-being. If you're feeling weighed down, perhaps it's time to lift someone else's burden – and watch how God lifts yours.

Serving as a Path to Joy and Peace

Jesus’ generosity and commands to serve “the least of these” (Matt 25:40) is a common thread all throughout the Gospels, but it's also clear that such service transforms the servant. Proverbs 11:25 declares, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." This is a promise. When the Good Samaritan bandaged wounds and paid for an inn (Luke 10:25-37), he didn't just save a life – he embodied God's kingdom, finding fulfillment in obedience.

The Apostle Paul reinforces this in Acts 20:35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Blessed here translates from *makarios*, the same word Jesus used in the Beatitudes for deep, abiding happiness. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul urges us to "value others above yourselves," promising that this mindset guards against anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7). From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible portrays giving as a cycle of blessing: God pours out grace, we extend it to others, and in turn, our spirits are renewed. It's no coincidence that early Christians thrived amid persecution – their communal sharing (Acts 2:44-45) fostered unbreakable bonds and resilient hearts.

But does this ancient wisdom hold true today? Absolutely. Science now quantifies what Scripture has long proclaimed: serving others combats depression, boosts happiness, and even extends life.

Charity as Medicine for the Mind

A wealth of studies demonstrates that altruism isn't just "nice" – it's neurologically and psychologically transformative. When we volunteer or donate charitably, our brains release a combination of feel-good chemicals: dopamine for reward, serotonin for mood stabilization, and endorphins for stress relief. This "helper's high" isn't fleeting; regular giving rewires neural pathways toward compassion and resilience, leading to lasting mental health gains. Researchers have struggled to understand why humans are altruistic from an evolutionary view point. From a Christian view point, it is obvious to us. 

One example to consider is a UK study tracking nearly 70,000 people over 18 years: Volunteers reported significantly lower distress and better daily functioning, with young adults (16-24) and mid-lifers (55-74) seeing the biggest boosts – perhaps from forging new connections and skills. Another analysis of over 100 studies (an "umbrella review") found volunteering consistently enhances psychological well-being, reducing depression and increasing life satisfaction, especially through improved mood and self-esteem.

For older adults, the benefits are even more pronounced. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows regular volunteers over 65 experience lower rates of depression and anxiety, alongside sharper cognitive function and a reduced dementia risk. A Carnegie Mellon study linked volunteering to lower blood pressure – a key mental health ally, as chronic stress exacerbates hypertension. And in a 2020 UK survey, those volunteering monthly rated their mental health higher and felt more satisfied with life.

Even charitable donations count: College students in China who gave more reported elevated psychological well-being, driven by shared motivations like altruism and social bonds. Across the board, these acts foster purpose – a buffer against despair. As one psychologist notes, volunteering "activates the reward center in your brain," turning service into self-care.

These aren't anomalies; they're patterns. As Harvard Health summarizes, volunteering wards off loneliness – a modern epidemic – while building resilience.

God's Design in Action

What unites these threads? Purpose. Biblically, we're created in God's image to reflect His generosity (Genesis 1:27; 2 Corinthians 9:8). Science confirms this: Acts of kindness trigger oxytocin, the "bonding hormone," fostering connection and reducing isolation – much like the early church's koinonia (fellowship) in Acts 4:32. When we serve, we're not depleting ourselves; we're tapping into the inexhaustible source of joy that comes from aligning with God's heart.

Empirical data backs our Biblical promises: Volunteering correlates with longer life and lower mortality, mirroring Proverbs' "refreshed" promise. In a culture obsessed with self-optimization and self-focus, the Gospel runs counter- true well-being is rooted in loving others through acts of kindness and service.

Serving as a Lifelong Habit

It is easy to serve for a season, especially when you know you are also going to be receiving. Instead, serve others as a life long practice. We were designed to serve. My 7 and 9 year old daughters are always finding ways to give to each other and the people around them. Next week we will have our second annual hot chocolate stand for our neighborhood to raise food for the local food bank, “a cup for a can”- all their idea by the way. Whether mentoring a child, donating to a food bank, or praying with a neighbor, let your service be worship (Romans 12:1). Resources like VolunteerMatch.org or your local church can connect you.

As we enter this Advent season, remember: The ultimate Servant came not to be served, but to give His life (Mark 10:45). In imitating Him, we don't just help others – we heal ourselves. 

Merry Christmas!

The Dunham Counselors