It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked,
through understanding;
And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive
is joy greater than giving.
And is there aught you would withhold?
All you have shall some day be given;
Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be
yours and not your inheritors'.
And what desert greater shall there be, than that which lies
in the courage and the confidence,
nay the charity, of receiving?
And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride,
that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.
For in truth it is life that gives unto life while you,
who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness.
And you receivers... and you are all receivers...
assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke
upon yourself and upon him who gives.
Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;
For to be over mindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity
who has the free hearted earth for mother, and God for father.
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