How to Overcome Greed: 15 Ways to Develop Generosity

Overcome greed with generosity
Photo by Josh Boot

Not everyone is a natural giver. Some struggle with generosity because they are worried that their resources would not be enough for them if they give to others. Others are focused on saving as much as possible for the ‘future’, and giving to others would defeat their purpose.

However, we all know that an ideal human being is someone who is generous. We admire generous people, especially those who have helped us.

If you are wondering how you can develop generosity, then check out these 15 ways that can help us overcome greed.

1. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:35 in the Bible tells us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Therefore, do not be hesitant to give to others because God loves a cheerful giver. However, make sure your intention of giving is to bless others—not to be blessed more—because it is already given.

ALSO READ: How to Bless Your Home According to the Bible

2. Remember those who have been generous to you.

Surely, there were times in your life when you were in need and someone walked in to help. Remember how that person’s generosity touched your life. Now, it is your chance to pay it forward.

3. Remember those who have not helped you when you were in need.

This is not to have grudge against those people. Instead, use any experience of being neglected to remind yourself not to do it to others. You know how it feels to be helpless so allow God to use you to help those in that situation.

4. Do not live only for yourself.

You are created for a greater purpose—and that is to be God’s hands and feet in reaching out to others. If you desire of seeing this world as a better place, then be a contributor to change. Use what you have to help the needy and influence others to do the same.

5. Think about your loved ones who might be needing others’ help.

Probably, you think you would not be needing anybody’s help because you have everything. However, what if someone from your family became stuck in a miserable situation—but you were not there—and no one wanted to help him/her? Apply the Golden Rule, “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you” and you can have the peace of mind that God will take care of your loved ones.

Ways to Develop Generosity
Photo by sasint

6. Know that you cannot bring your wealth when you die.

Why be greedy and hoard earthly possessions when, in fact, you cannot bring them once you die? Instead of keeping all riches to yourself while waiting for your last day on earth, why not use them to make life easier for others? At least, when you die, many people will cry for you.

7. Develop compassion for others.

Generosity starts with compassion. If you can see and feel the hardships of others, then you would probably be more compassionate towards them. Allow yourself to mingle with people who are hurting or in need, and your heart will melt.

ALSO READ: How to be Kind and Warm to Others

8. You are blessed to be a blessing.

God is not blessing you to be stingy. If He is giving you overflowing blessings, then He probably wants to use you as a channel of blessings to others. Be a good steward by sharing and helping others in need.

9. Give back to God by giving to others.

We give tithes and offerings in the church as a means of giving back to God. However, I believe that God would be more pleased if we give to the poor, who are also His children. God is not in buildings but in the lives of His people.

10. Recognize that the world is round.

You may have everything now but nothing is permanent in this world. Avoid being mean and uncaring about others’ needs because, someday, you might be the one needing their help. Be kind and generous to everyone around you.

11. Experience the joy of being able to help or bless others.

If you want to experience real joy, then be willing to give to those in need. Being able to help someone is fulfilling. It will give you a greater sense of purpose.

Ways to Develop Generosity
Photo by willian_2000

12. Realize that you could be the answer to someone’s prayers.

Do not just help others in prayer. You could be the answer to their prayers. If God is convicting you to help someone, then do it.

13. Be content with what you have.

One way to overcome greed is by being content with what you have. Be thankful to God for the blessings He gives you. Work hard to achieve your dreams and give your family a better life, but always guard your heart against greed.

ALSO READ: How to Overcome Envy: 14 Ways to be Happy and Content

14. Focus your mind on more valuable things in life than money.

Be careful not to be too focused on getting richer to the point that you seldom have time for your family and friends anymore. Always remember that the greatest treasure you can find on earth is not gold or money, but love.

15. Love your neighbors as yourself.

If you would love other people like how you love yourself, surely you would not be greedy towards them. You would not hesitate to give or help those who are suffering because you can sympathize with them. For this reason, if you want to overcome greediness, you need to learn loving other people genuinely

Give with Joy

Generosity is not about the amount you give. It is a matter of the heart. Even if you give a big amount but you do it grudgingly or out of your desire to impress, then it will not give you real joy.

True generosity is about your heart to bless others. No matter how little the amount is (because that is what you can afford) if you give it with the desire to help, then God will honor that. You should read the story of The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44).

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Cyril Abello
Joan is a freelance blogger who loves writing about personal development. She also loves learning and teaching languages. A Communication Arts graduate, she now pursues a masters degree in Language Teaching. She is into mobile photography, writing poems, and reading for leisure.
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Wan Kim
Wan Kim
April 30, 2020 6:49 am

I have this feeling that I am not a genuine person…..I felt like I am greedy. Greedy for food, greedy for phones like the latest Samsung S20…..I feel like I should really stop this. My parents disliked me because of my awful personality. Even though I was well liked by my friends, I felt that I am still a pretty bad person. I had punished myself to not eat lunch because of this.

Rawan
Rawan
Reply to  Wan Kim
May 12, 2020 1:16 am

Oh honey no, please don’t make yourself feel that you don’t need food. You NEED food to live and it’s illegal for your parents to starve you. Your parents signed up for this when ur mom got pregnant, they are responsible for feeding you, providing good shelter, education, and catering to your needs. You don’t have to please them just because you’re related.

Blessing
Blessing
Reply to  Wan Kim
July 1, 2020 5:40 pm

You are like me but by the grace of our Lord Jesus,we shall stop the act🙏

Victor Nnaji
Victor Nnaji
Reply to  Wan Kim
July 7, 2020 4:57 am

Hello, Just put your trust in God, give your self completely to the Finished work of Christ and he will help you.
I was an alcoholic and a womanizer when I gave my life to God he helped me stop those things.
Take care

Keturah
Keturah
January 3, 2020 5:54 pm

The Bible says,” a double minded person is unstable in all his ways” Pray this pray : Dear Lord I thank you for this time to be able to cast a burden upon you, because your word tells me “I should cast my cares upon you for you care for me”. Give me a stable mind, I’m tired of being double minded, I’m tired of being unstable in all my ways, give me a sound and a stable mind and make me to be a giver I ask all this in the name of your son Jesus Amen.

Chisom otubo
Chisom otubo
December 16, 2019 2:33 pm

1. I have a problem which is even if I want to give i always have a double mind.
2. Am sexually addicted and I really want to stop the act. I need your help on what to do stop that.

Thank you for the article it is wonderful.

"Lisa"
"Lisa"
August 15, 2019 12:46 am

Great articles. Can anyone make any sugestions of how I can leave my abusive relationship with a non-christian alcoholic.
He’s helped fix my house,( we both have mortgages which I wonder if we’ll ever pay off), but he’s also betrayed me in many diferent ways. (I’ve also helped him)
I believe that he’s dabbling in some sort of witchcraft & definately doesn’t have my best interests at heart. I’ve felt all sorts of weirdness, confusion, depression & sickness whilst living in his house. Also a feeling that I’m being watched, as he usually seems to know what’s going on .
It’s affected my faith & even my sense of myself. Going to church & praying has definately helped.
I prayed for relvelation & have since realised that my family (non-practising christians) have always been involved in something unsavoury – they all deny this & have virtually told me that I need to see a psychiatrist & laughed at me.
By the way ,they have never really behaved like Christians,
(whilst I’m not perfect) they acan be cruel ,greedy, prideful , judgemental etc,
I realise that they’re probably living their “heaven on earth”.
Some witches (blanket term) don’t believe there is an enemy & that they keep getting reborn as witches & can do what they like without consequence .
I believe that they’re seduced by the enemy into stuff, most if not all have not known Christ.
Does anyone have some tips on leaving this relationship guilt free as I feel like I’m stuck in a quagmire.
I do care about this guy , but I don’t owe him my life either.
So I’d appreciate your suggestions & prayers for me & each other & over world issues such as overpopulation.

Jamie sidathong
Jamie sidathong
Reply to  "Lisa"
January 19, 2020 1:28 pm

Your needs are met with our prayers and listen to the calm sensible voice within you to trust you are more than your situations and will navigate thru the obstacles ahead

Shakeela Ali Ahmad
Shakeela Ali Ahmad
July 7, 2019 2:21 pm

can I learn about writing an article on any topic? Now I don’t create a website.