If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to attract success, opportunities, and wealth almost effortlessly, the answer might surprise you. It’s not just about hard work, talent, or luck. Many of the most fulfilled and financially successful people live by a simple principle: give first. Giving and prosperity are deeply connected — not just in theory, but in practice.
At first, this sounds counterintuitive. After all, if you give something away, doesn’t that mean you now have less? But the truth is, the act of giving often sets off a ripple effect that creates abundance in return.
Luke 6:38 “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
What We Mean by Prosperity
Before diving into the connection between giving and prosperity, it’s important to define what prosperity actually means. Too often, we think of prosperity purely in terms of money, but it’s much bigger than that.
Prosperity is about living a life that feels abundant. That includes:
- Financial security
- Strong, meaningful relationships
- A sense of purpose
- Health and well-being
- The ability to create impact and leave a legacy
When you begin to view prosperity holistically, it becomes clear why giving matters so much. It doesn’t just improve your financial situation — it elevates your life across every dimension.
The Science of Generosity and Wealth
There’s actual research proving that generosity contributes to both happiness and success. A study published in the Journal of Economic Psychology found that people who spend money on others report greater long-term happiness than those who only spend on themselves. That happiness, in turn, often leads to better decision-making, stronger motivation, and even better career performance.
On a financial level, practicing generosity strengthens relationships and builds trust, both of which are essential for creating opportunities. If you’ve ever done business, you know trust is the foundation of every deal. Generosity accelerates that trust.
Think of giving like planting seeds. Each act of giving may seem small at the moment, but over time, the seeds grow into opportunities, relationships, and eventually prosperity. This is the compound effect in action — small, consistent actions creating massive results over time.
Why Giving Creates Prosperity in Practice
Expands Your Network
When you give — whether it’s your time, resources, or knowledge — you expand your network in ways money alone cannot.
I once shared some advice with a friend who started their own business and was struggling to get things organized. I didn’t expect anything in return; I just wanted to help. Weeks later turned into an opportunity to consult with them to help them out. That’s the power of generosity: it creates opportunities you could never plan for. Importantly, it must come from a mindset of not expecting anything in return.
Builds Positive Energy and Mindset
Generosity changes how you show up. When you live with an open hand, you cultivate gratitude and optimism. Think about it, when you are giving, you cannot think only of abundance. It is very difficult to give with a closed fist; the same goes for receiving as well. This mindset doesn’t just make life more enjoyable; it makes you more resilient in tough times.
People are drawn to those who radiate positivity. If you’re the kind of person who gives freely, people notice — and they want to work with you, help you, and support you. That’s prosperity in action.
Opens Doors to Unexpected Opportunities
History is full of stories of leaders and entrepreneurs who achieved prosperity by giving first. Take Andrew Carnegie, who built libraries across the U.S., or modern-day entrepreneurs who share their knowledge freely online. Their generosity not only built goodwill but also established trust and credibility that led to incredible growth.
The truth is simple: when you give, you set the stage for opportunities to flow back to you in unexpected ways.
Breaking the Scarcity Mentality
One of the biggest obstacles to understanding giving and prosperity is the scarcity mindset — the belief that giving will result in having less.
Here’s the problem with that belief: it assumes resources are finite. In reality, the more you give, the more you often receive. Life is a paradox, meaning that sometimes things appear backwards. When you are feeling helpless and discouraged, encourage someone else. If you are struggling financially, sow financially into someone else and help them out. If what you have is not enough for your needs, turn it into a seed. This is the secret to giving.
- If you give encouragement, you don’t lose encouragement — you actually create more energy for yourself and others.
- If you give time or knowledge, you build skills and credibility that multiply your opportunities.
- Even giving financially often sparks creativity in how you generate more income.
Giving is the ultimate declaration of abundance. It says, “I believe there will always be more.” That belief alone shifts how you pursue prosperity.
Simple Ways to Practice Giving Every Day
Give Time
Offer to mentor someone, volunteer for a cause, or just be fully present with a friend or family member. Sometimes, the gift of time is more valuable than money.
Give Knowledge
You don’t have to be an expert to help someone who’s a few steps behind you. Share what you’ve learned. Write a blog post. Create content. These small acts often build influence and authority in your field. And most of all, help build a legacy that is bigger than you and will continue to move forward.
Give Resources
Financial giving is powerful, but resources can also mean tools, introductions, or connections. Sometimes, introducing two people who can help each other is more impactful than writing a check.
Give Encouragement
Never underestimate the power of words. A genuine compliment, a “you’ve got this” text, or a thoughtful note can change the trajectory of someone’s day — or even their life.
The Ripple Effect of Giving & Prosperity
The beauty of giving and prosperity is that the cycle doesn’t stop with you. When you give, you inspire others to do the same. Your generosity creates a ripple effect that spreads prosperity far beyond your own reach.
Think about it: a simple act of kindness could inspire someone else to do the same, and before long, hundreds of people are impacted. That’s legacy. That’s prosperity on the deepest level.
Conclusion
At its core, prosperity isn’t about how much you keep. It’s about how much you give. The most successful and fulfilled people understand that generosity is not just a moral choice — it’s a practical strategy for living well.
If you want to experience true prosperity, start by giving. If you want to start giving financially but don’t know where to start, start by giving 10% to your local church and watch as things in your life begin to change. Can’t give money, give your time. Give your encouragement. Give your knowledge. Give your resources. Don’t wait until you “have enough.” Prosperity doesn’t come after you give; it flows because you give. Once you break the tie that money has on your heart, you can truly start to live.
So here’s the challenge: this week, find one intentional way to give without expecting anything in return. Watch what happens. “The secret to living is giving.” – Tony Robbins
References:
- Robbins, Tony. Money: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom. Simon & Schuster, 2014.
- Aknin, Lara B., et al. “Prosocial spending and well-being: Cross-cultural evidence for a psychological universal.” Journal of Economic Psychology, vol. 33, no. 4, 2012, pp. 635–647. Elsevier, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167487011001784?via%3Dihub.
- The Holy Bible: King James Version. Luke 6:38. Thomas Nelson, 1987
