Reframing Generosity

[Reimagine Curator]

Reframing Generosity Written by Dynamis Ministries In the field of psychology, many therapists use a technique called cognitive reframing as a tool to help individuals experiencing negative thoughts or situations that can cause stress, anxiety or depression. Cognitive reframing is simply a way to “shift our mindset so we’re able to look at a situation, person or relationship from a slightly different perspective.”¹ This technique can help us get out of negative thought patterns that take us down and shift us into more positive thought patterns that can bring us joy, hope and confidence.   As an example of how this technique can be used, consider a situation many of us can relate to: work stress. When we’re feeling the pressure at work mount it may be easy to get caught up in negative thoughts such as,   “I have so much work to do! I never have any free time.” “My boss keeps giving me more projects, this is so unfair.” “How am I supposed to meet all of these deadlines? Nobody cares about me.”   It’s understandable how these thoughts can cause great anxiety. However, by reframing with positive thoughts we can begin to view these circumstances through a different lens and change our outlook. For example, reframing might lead someone to think, “I have been blessed with many skillsets, and my supervisor trusts my work. This is a great opportunity of influence.”   What’s great about reframing is that it can also help us shift our perspective on generosity. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 it says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Yet oftentimes giving is associated with negative emotions by us. Sometimes we may feel like obligated givers, guilty givers, reluctant givers, shameful givers, inadequate givers or even meaningless givers. When these thought patterns enter our minds we may need to do some reframing. Instead of allowing ourselves to think that of giving in these ways, let’s look at it from a different perspective:   Giving is something that we get to do. Sadly, much of the world lives in poverty and does not have the same resources to give as we do. By God’s own generosity, we are in a position to give in ways that many others cannot. We can all make an impact with our giving. Whether we’re donating money to build a hospital or paying for someone’s coffee, our generosity can impact someone in a very real and personal way. Giving makes us feel good. It’s been well documented in science (as well as in previous Dynamis Drops) that giving actually boosts our health and helps us feel good about ourselves. When we give we’re not only helping others, but we’re helping ourselves. It’s a double win!   By reframing our thinking about generosity, we will become more cheerful givers as a result. Let’s not get caught up in negative thought patterns that inhibit our generosity. Rather let’s view our giving with a new perspective that can bring us greater joy in our relationship with God and others!     ¹Clark DA. Cognitive restructuring. In: Hofmann SG, Dozois D, eds. The Wiley Handbook for Cognitive Behaviors Therapy, First Edition. John Wiley & Songs, Ltd. Doi:10.1002/9781118528563.wbct02

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