When was the last time you truly shared something with someone in need? That simple question from a priest during a recent confession threw me off balance. He continued, “Giving for the glory of God is a great joy.” I was left to reflect, struggling to recall when I had last done something more meaningful than just donating to a charity or pressing a button on an app. I had been making regular donations to a fund through an automatic payment system, but somehow, I knew that wasn't quite the answer he was looking for.

At first, I tried to reassure myself that the automatic payments were enough—that I was doing my part. But something nagged at me. Was this digital donation truly improving my soul? In a world where technology has made so many tasks effortless, it's easy to believe that our good intentions are enough, simply because they don’t require much effort. But is that truly the case when it comes to giving?

Modern conveniences have certainly made life easier. We can now shop online and have everything delivered straight to our door. Our bank accounts are connected to automatic payment systems, meaning we can contribute to a cause without ever leaving our couch. And while it’s wonderful to support charity remotely, there’s something missing from that type of giving. It lacks the physical act of giving—handing something over personally, making an emotional connection, and experiencing the joy of the moment. Perhaps that’s why we don’t always feel the joy that should come from helping others.

I realized that the priest’s question wasn’t just about charity in the abstract; it was about the personal act of giving—about whether I was doing good deeds with sincerity and heart. When we give something physically, when we make time for others, we become active participants in the process. That, in turn, helps us grow spiritually.

At first, it might be hard to part with even a small amount, but over time, the act of giving becomes easier. What begins as a challenge—giving up a few dollars—can gradually evolve into something more significant. You start to see that the more you give, the more you receive in return, not in material wealth, but in fulfillment and joy. And it's not just about giving money; sometimes, it’s the simplest of things that can make a difference.

Most of us have items at home that are collecting dust—an old pair of shoes that no longer fit, a phone that’s gathering cobwebs, a pot that’s too big to use regularly. These things might not hold value for us anymore, but they could be exactly what someone else needs. We often don’t realize how much we have to offer until we take a moment to look around. And sometimes, the most thoughtful act of generosity is going beyond what we have lying around and actively purchasing something that someone truly needs.

Saint John Chrysostom once said, "Everything you do for your brother ascends to your Lord, and He, as though receiving it Himself from you, rewards you for it." The reward, however, is not material wealth or fleeting success—it is the grace of God that fills our hearts and brings us true joy.

Giving in a way that brings glory to God should be a natural part of our lives. It isn’t about the size of the donation, but about the intention behind it. True generosity comes from the heart, and it enriches both the giver and the recipient in ways that money alone can’t measure.

So, the next time we find ourselves considering what we have to give, let's remember: it’s not just about what we can afford to part with, but about what we are willing to share from our hearts. Giving, especially when done in God’s name, brings a joy that surpasses all else. Let us strive to experience that joy, knowing that every act of kindness, no matter how small, is seen by God and will be rewarded with His grace.

Original article: radiovera.ru/otdavat-jeto-radost-irina-sobylenskaja.html