How to Prevent Giver Burnout

We all want a better world, don’t we? And today, I reminded of a simple principle of giving that can make this a reality. I call it the “seesaw” principle to make the world we live in a better one.

I’m reminded of this simple principle from the Bible as I read from 2 Corinthians 8.

“Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. As the Scriptures say, “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.”
~ 2 Corinthians 8:12‭-‬15 (NLT)

Let’s just do examine this principle a little deeper.

1. Give and Receive

Let’s face it, our lives, just like a seesaw, has its ups and downs. So does everybody else’s lives.

But in a world where we may be taught to “take and take”, it might be good to be reminded of the fact that the “give and receive” mentality might work better. In verse 14, we are reminded that we may be up now and may have something to help those who are down. Similarly, when we are down, someone who is up may have something to help lift us up. Think about how beautiful it is to live in that kind of world where everyone is looking out for everyone. This “something” goes beyond finances; it may be your time, concern, sharing of experience, encouragement, assistance etc.

So, begin your giving today by looking out for those who may be down so you can help lift them up. Think about what you have that could help them; time, concern, sharing of experience, encouragement, assistance etc.

2. Give according to what you have

The second part of this principle is as important as the first. In fact, it is impossible to give in a sustainable way without realising this part of the principle.

Verse 12 reminds us that we need to give according to what we have and not what we don’t have. It is sustainable because we are also practising self-care as we care for others. Maybe that is also why we are often reminded on airline safety videos to first have our life vests on before we assist children. In this way, we are in a better state to help our kids and perhaps even others.

This is particularly important for us not to have burnout. If we ourselves are having an overdraft of our personal resources, it would be suicidal to give to others in that state. Aim at getting yourself up again so you will be in a better position to give.

Give but give sustainably. Give sustainably so you do not give up on giving.

That’s sustainable giving to make our world a better place for everyone. What do you think? Share your thoughts to bless others.

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James Lim

James is the Lead Thrive-Synergist & Founder of Emmaus Strategies; a social enterprise that “fuels good”. It does this through Mental Well-Being programmes for individuals and organizations, as well as Strategic Volunteer Partnerships consultancy and training for non-profits.