Years ago, I came across a story that left a lasting impression on me. It was about one of Africa’s greatest philanthropists, Chief MKO Abiola. Known for his generosity, Abiola was frequently approached by people seeking funding for their various projects. His office was a revolving door of visitors, all with proposals, hoping to tap into his wealth. But one particular encounter stood out and carried a timeless lesson.
On a fateful day, a young man walked into Abiola’s office. However, unlike everyone else, he wasn’t there to ask for anything. Instead, he came bearing a gift. This was a rare occurrence, and it caught Abiola’s attention. The gift? A simple yet thoughtful customized pen. Abiola was so moved by this unexpected gesture that he immediately asked his personal assistant to bring him something to “test” the pen with. As fate would have it, the item brought for the test was Abiola’s cheque book. The philanthropist then proceeded to write an open cheque for the young man—a cheque that would forever change his life.
While I can’t confirm the authenticity of this story, the lessons it conveys are profound. One of the most significant takeaways for me is that the best way to build meaningful relationships is to approach people with a mindset of contribution. Instead of asking, “What can I get from this person?” the question should be, “How can I contribute to this person’s life?”
As Bishop David Oyedepo puts it, this mindset is about being “contribution-driven.” It’s a principle as old as time. Just like a stagnant pool of water, which eventually begins to stink due to lack of flow, so too does a person who only seeks to take without giving. On the other hand, a flowing stream remains fresh because it continually gives and receives. The same can be said for our relationships. When we give, not just material gifts, but also our time, attention, and resources, we keep our connections vibrant and life-giving.
But there’s an even deeper level of giving that I’d like to highlight. Don’t just give people gifts—give them something that they, in turn, can give to others.
Gifts make people happy, but gifts that can be shared or passed on have the power to spread joy exponentially. It’s a ripple effect of kindness, where the happiness doesn’t stop with the recipient but is passed on to others.
Proverbs 11:25 says: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” The Bible teaches that giving leads to a cycle of blessing. When we focus on refreshing others, we ourselves become refreshed in the process.
At the end of the day, the lesson is simple: when you focus on giving rather than taking, you’ll build stronger, healthier relationships. And when you give something that can be passed on, the impact of your generosity keeps spreading. So next time you meet someone, ask yourself, “What can I contribute to their life?” You just might be surprised at the doors that open for you.
Have a great week ahead.
2 thoughts on “The Gift That Keeps Giving”
Profound revelations. Thank you Doctor.
This is deep inspiring