42 Quotes About Giving

Giving is one of the simplest ways we can make a difference in someone’s life. It may be a gift of money, but it can also be our time, a helping hand, or a few encouraging words. These quotes about giving remind us that what we share with others often brings joy to our own hearts, too.

We hope these words inspire you to look for opportunities to give each day. For more encouragement, enjoy our Giving Poems, which celebrate the many ways generosity can touch a life.

Updated October 9, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Giving Makes A Difference

Giving is not only about money. Our time, encouragement, and willingness to help can make a difference.

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.
Robert Louis Stevenson

As we meet and touch, each day, the many travellers on our way...each giving to the other's need, each helping on the other's best
Susan Coolidge, As We Meet

Each of us will one day be judged....by our measure of giving - not by our measure of wealth,
William Arthur Ward, One Day

Said old gentleman Gay, "On a Thanksgiving Day, if you want a good time, then give something away."
Marian Douglas, A Good Thanksgiving

Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.
H. Jackson Brown Jr.

In the giving of gifts upon Christmas, people pattern the Father above who, in giving His Son, gave His best gift
Delphia C. Freeman, The Meaning of Christmas

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.
Maya Angelou

There is no preservative and antiseptic, nothing that keeps one's heart young like sympathy, like giving one's self with enthusiasm to some worthy thing or cause.
John Burroughs

Give, and thy reward shall be joy unto thy soul returning,
Unknown, Live For Something

The Joy Of Giving

The joy of giving often comes from seeing how a thoughtful act can brighten another person’s day.

We must try to travel along the track of life in the best possible way - loving, forgiving, giving, and sharing.
Jean d'Ormesson

Embrace the spirit of giving, so grand,
Spreading love and care across the land.
Author Unknown

The joy of life is to give.
William Arthur Ward

If you find that life is flat, full of this, with none of that, try giving!
Margaret Gordon Kuhlman, When You Give

It is a paradox of life that by hoarding love and happiness we lose them, and that only by giving them away can we keep them for ourselves.
Catherine Pulsifer

May you be glad you're living however dark your way, and find your joy in giving your service to the day
Edgar A. Guest, A New Year's Toast

For it is in giving that we receive.
St. Francis of Assisi

Who can tell the value of a smile? Perhaps the person receiving it! And, perhaps the person giving it!
Catherine Pulsifer, The Value of A Smile

Giving Through Kindness And Service

These words remind us that kindness, respect, and service are gifts we can share with others.

The spirit of the giving, the affection that we feel - the selfless thought behind the act that makes it good and real...
Patience Strong, The Gift

Christmas time is:...giving to others, sharing goodwill
Julie Hebert, Christmas Time Is

Life is about helping each other - giving a helping hand - receiving a helping hand
Catherine Pulsifer

For giving speaks a language true,
Uniting hearts in all we do.
Byron Pulsifer, The Heart of Generosity

Let us give something every day, to comfort and to cheer
Daniel C. Colesworthy, Give Every Da

The demonstrated skill of every master is the creation of a daily commission of giving.
Kate Summers

Jesus bids be joyful ever; He himself the wondrous Giver
Daniel S Warner, Everlasting Joy

Respect is a thing you can freely give. Respect will make the world a better place to live.
Catherine Pulsifer, A Better Place

Giving Through Love And Family

Giving takes many forms, from caring for family to sharing what we have with others.

My wife, my family, my friends - they've all taught me things about love and what that emotion really means. In a nutshell, loving someone is about giving, not receiving.
Nicholas Sparks

Sharing what we have, giving just a bit more is what love and what Christmas is for.
Catherine Pulsifer, Christmas Is A Blessing

The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when He gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.
Robert Flatt

No, tasks are not worth "fooling with" 'tis not what tasks were made for .... the best that's in you, body, soul and mind, you should be giving
Strictland Gillian, Not Worth Fooling With

How can we repay a loving and giving Dad, who is always there for us.
Julie Hebert

We will realize life is much more than about getting, it's about loving, giving and not quitting.
Julie Hebert, Live Life

We can all afford to give freely the best that we have, because in giving it we have it doubly.
Author Unknown, What We Can Afford

What has never gone out of style? Why it is that common smile. It cost you nothing to give
Catherine Pulsifer, The Cost Of A Smile

Love is not getting, but giving
Henry VanDyke, Love Is

May your home be one of giving, may your wealth be shared with others
Author Unknown

Generosity And Life Lessons

Giving can teach us what matters most and encourage us to use our gifts well.

You taught us the meaning of giving and the meaning of being happy and living...We love you Mom, that is so true.
Catherine Pulsifer, We Didn't Realize

The secret of abundant life is giving - our will to God, and our service to the needs of others.
William Arthur Ward

Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.
Leonora Milliken Boss, A Lesson

I don't know what can be so dangerous about giving people hope.
Joel Osteen

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
Pablo Picasso

It's giving and doing for somebody else- on that all life's splendor depends
Edgar A. Guest

Blessings that have been given to you can be shared by what you do.
Catherine Pulsifer, A Saying

Conclusion

We hope these quotes about giving have reminded you that generosity does not have to be grand to matter. A smile, a kind word, or a few minutes of your time can bring comfort and encouragement to someone else. Look for a way to give today, and remember that even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting impression.

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