What if the key to happiness wasn’t in what we accumulate but in what we give away?
This is the compelling question explored in a recent episode of Stewardship's Active Generosity podcast, where clinical psychologist and Stewardship donor Sam Malins shares fascinating insights into the science behind generosity. Blending biblical principles with psychological research, Sam’s reflections offer a powerful perspective on why giving is not just an obligation but a pathway to joy.
What science has to say about giving and happiness
Studies consistently show that generosity makes people happier. In one particularly striking experiment, researchers gave people sums of money and split them into groups: some spent the money on themselves, while others were instructed to give it away. The results? Those who gave to others reported significantly higher levels of happiness than those who kept the money for themselves.
Taking this idea further, a wealthy donor decided to test this at scale. They gave away $2 million by distributing $10,000 each to 200 people across seven countries. Participants who spent their money on others - whether donating to charity or simply treating a friend - reported a dramatic boost in happiness. The most surprising finding? The couple who donated the money experienced 225 times more happiness than they would have if they had kept it.
This study echoes what many Christians already believe: generosity isn’t just good for the recipient; it transforms the giver as well. “We have faith-based evidence that giving brings joy,” Sam explained, “but now we have objective proof from secular science too.”
The three keys to joyful giving
Sam highlighted three elements that enhance the joy:
- Connection – When we give to causes or people we feel personally connected to, it deepens our sense of purpose. This could mean supporting a local church, funding a ministry we care about, or even spending time volunteering.
- Impact – Knowing that our giving makes a tangible difference increases our sense of fulfilment. When we see generosity changing lives - whether by providing for someone in need or helping a community flourish - it reinforces the joy of giving.
- Choice – Being able to choose how we give is crucial. Giving should never feel like an obligation but rather an invitation to participate in something bigger than ourselves. When generosity is freely chosen, it becomes a source of joy rather than duty.
The challenge of generosity
Despite these compelling benefits, generosity isn’t always easy. Sam admitted that even with his background in psychology, he still struggles with the pull of material security. “I assumed that when I had more money, it would be easier to give,” he reflected, “but the evidence actually suggests the opposite—wealthier people often find it harder to be generous.”
This is a sobering reminder that generosity isn’t just about what we have—it’s about the posture of our hearts. As Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Cultivating generosity requires intentionality and, at times, discipline.
One practical way to nurture a generous heart is by making generosity a habit. Whether through regular charitable giving, acts of kindness, or simply seeking ways to support others, building generosity into our daily lives helps us resist the pull of self-interest.
It's more than just money
Importantly, generosity isn’t just about finances. Sam and his wife have explored ways to give beyond money - investing in their community, volunteering, and supporting ministries through both time and resources. “Some of the most fulfilling giving experiences have been ones that also involved relationship and learning,” he shared.
This aligns with the study’s findings that alongside charitable donations, the two other top sources of happiness from spending money were:
- Social experiences (For example: sharing meals, hosting gatherings, investing in relationships)
- Education and learning (For example: supporting someone’s growth or personal development)
By integrating generosity into different aspects of life, giving becomes a richer, more holistic experience - one that reflects the fullness of biblical stewardship.
An invitation to generosity-fuelled joy
Sam’s reflections serve as both a challenge and an encouragement. In a world that constantly tells us that happiness comes from accumulating more, the countercultural call of generosity invites us into something radically different: a life of open-handed giving that leads to deeper joy and greater purpose.
The good news? It isn’t about having it all figured out. As Sam put it, “Sometimes, you just have to do the thing—take a step of faith, trust in the Lord, and see what happens.”
If you’re looking for practical ways to step into joyful generosity, listen to the full episode of Active Generosity with Sam Malins. You’ll find thought-provoking insights, inspiring stories, and encouragement to grow in this life-giving practice.
Active Generosity podcast
Be the first to receive each month's podcast exploring the world of faithful and generous Christian stewardship.
Matt Holderness
Matt joined Stewardship in 2022 with over twenty years of marketing experience from roles at Kendal College and Capernwray Bible School. He has degrees in Business and Marketing, Theology, Management and most recently a Masters in Hermeneutics.
Through raising awareness of Stewardship’s various products and services, Matt helps people explore the Kingdom impact that their growing generosity can have, and helps the Church and Christian charities gather faithfully and grow purposefully.
He’s passionate about supporting Evangelism and Bible causes, and has a particular interest in charities that are helping people in Poverty and Debt in the UK.
