I would say that generosity is its own reward. There’s really no downside to it. The wonderful warm feeling of giving produces a natural high that is hard to beat and which beckons us to keep increasing it all the more over our lifetime.

Still, even if that were not true, is there a practical bonus associated with generosity? Yes, according to the Bible there is a great one. Ecclesiastes 11:1 tells us what will happen when we practice it. “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again” (NIV). I also like the way The Message puts it: “Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns.”

Truthfully, generosity is an investment. And though you may invest in people, churches, charities and causes that don’t show you any direct return now, return will come. It can’t miss. I like to think of that last scene from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” where a surprised George Bailey realized his return on investment from his many years in the town of Bedford Falls.

If you have a chance to be generous, think of it as a great opportunity you don’t want to miss. If you let it pass by you may be cheating your future. Throw that bread out on the waters freely. When you need it most you won’t be disappointed. Instead you will be overwhelmed by some surprisingly high returns.