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Research has indicated that generosity (or for those of a more scientific disposition – Altruism) is directed related to your genes?! Yes it is apparently that simple.

“Gene tests revealed those who had certain variants of a gene called AVPR1a were on average nearly 50% more likely to give money away.” BBC News report

According to this research by Israeli scientists, we now all have an excuse for being a bit of a scrooge…right? “Oh, can’t give much, I have the AVPR1a gene!” I wonder if these researchers studied the right kind of genes…Jeans?

Generosity is not primarily related to monetary criteria. That would be too simplified a definition. Generosity can be related to forgiveness, empathy, kindness, hospitality, or a selfless concern for the well-being others.

So much these days is focused on money that it has proven to me that western society is consumed with idolatry – the love of money. I am not saying money has no value or that we should sell (or give away) all our possessions and move into monasteries like many before us. We need to keep all materialistic wealth within its proper place – there are more important issues at stake. Perhaps this is just another way of saying what I have already mentioned – Generosity offers us Christians and antidote to the current economic crisis where greed has been ruling and devastation is the result.

Maybe this crisis will show us where our true values should lie?! That generosity is not a matter of genes but CHOICE!

Related posts:

1. God's Economy – Generosity (Part 4)
2. God's Economy – Generosity (part 2)
3. In God's Economy – Generosity (part 1)
4. In God's Economy – Generosity
5. God's Economy – Safeguarding against Corruption