“A life blessed by God always results in blessing others.” I couldn’t stop thinking about that line as I celebrated my friend Ruth’s 65th birthday.
It was a memorable day—yes, even sailing on a luxurious yacht—but what moved me most wasn’t the yacht. It was the fruit of her life on full display—relationships she’s nurtured, people she’s helped, and love she’s given without needing credit for it. You can’t fake that kind of impact.
Ruth is one of the most generous people I know. And I don’t mean generous in a flashy, “look what I did” kind of way. I mean the steady kind. The kind that remembers birthdays, checks in when you’ve been quiet, shares opportunities, feeds people without announcing it, and makes you feel seen even when you feel unseen. Ruth doesn’t just give gifts—she gives dignity.
We often treat generosity like it’s a luxury item: something we’ll do “one day,” when there’s extra time, extra money, extra margin. But what if generosity isn’t the reward of financial freedom… what if it’s one of the pathways to it?
Here’s the surprise: many people don’t struggle with generosity because they’re selfish. They struggle because they’re scared. Scared there won’t be enough. Scared they’ll need it later. Scared giving will set them back. Scarcity has a voice—and it’s loud.
But generosity is one of the most practical ways to quiet that voice. Not because it ignores reality, but because it refuses to be ruled by fear. Generosity trains the heart to trust, the mind to plan, and the spirit to stay open.
In my book, Heal Your Money Wounds God’s Way, I share a framework I call the 6 I’s to Financial Freedom. One of those “I’s” is Increase… and Increase Generosity—because financial healing isn’t just about earning more. It’s about becoming whole. When generosity flows from wholeness, it isn’t guilt-driven, people-pleasing, or performative. It becomes purposeful. Sustainable. Joyful.
That’s what Ruth modeled—especially at 65. Her birthday celebration wasn’t just a party. It was a legacy report: a room full of people who could point to a moment she helped, encouraged, prayed, gave, mentored, or simply showed up.
So here’s my takeaway—and maybe yours too:
Generosity is not what you do when you’re rich.
Generosity is what you do when you’re free.
And if you want to build a financial life that’s spiritually aligned, emotionally healthy, and practically strong… don’t just chase increase. Be a go giver and not a go getter.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Kathy Current is a financial coach, mortgage advisor, and author of Heal Your Money Wounds God’s Way, where she combines over three decades of financial experience with timeless biblical wisdom. Kathy addresses real-life questions about God and money, helping readers find freedom and purpose in their financial lives.
