The Giving That Enriches the Soul By Hossam Badrawi

The Giving That Enriches the Soul
By: Hossam Badrawi

“Rivers do not drink their own water, trees do not eat their own fruit, the sun does not shine for itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves” —
With these words, Pope Francis begins his beautiful reflection on the meaning of giving, laying before us a simple yet profound rule of nature: we do not live for ourselves alone, but for others as well.
Life becomes beautiful when we are happy, but it becomes even more wonderful when others are happy because of us.

In an age dominated by individualism, where value is measured by what we own rather than by what we give, these words come to remind us that giving is not merely an action — it is a way of life.

Here we are reminded of the poet-philosopher Khalil Gibran, who wrote:
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?”

Through this phrase, Gibran shifts us from the concept of material giving to something deeper: giving of oneself — of time, of love, of attention, of listening.
Things come and go, but what we offer from our being endures.

The meaning is further enriched by the words of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib:
“Do not be ashamed of giving a little, for withholding is less.”
And also: “Do good deeds and conceal them, so that your right hand does not know what your left hand has given.”

Within these words lies an eternal wisdom: that giving is not measured by its size, but by its purity; that it seeks no reward, but is offered purely for the sake of goodness.
The truest giving is that which seeks no announcement, but bears fruit silently, just as a tree blossoms without making a sound.

In a world where wars are increasing and the sense of others is diminishing, giving becomes a spiritual act of resistance, an affirmation of faith in life.
To give of ourselves to others — not to take, but to share a light that does not diminish when divided.

For giving, when it comes from the heart, enriches the soul more than it enriches the one in need.