By Mark Andrew Beach

The first step in developing a giving heart is learning to give without expecting anything in return. If we give with strings attached—whether it's hoping for recognition, reciprocation, or even just appreciation—then it’s not really giving at all. It’s a transaction.

Now, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a good business transaction. As someone who’s spent his career in finance and deal-making, I value business deeply. I believe firmly in the principle of “win-win or no deal.” Fairness, integrity, and mutual benefit matter. But that’s not what we’re talking about here. This post isn’t about balance sheets or negotiation—it’s about the heart. A giving heart. And true giving comes from sacrifice. From offering something meaningful—your time, your energy, a part of yourself—with no expectation of return.

Let me share two examples that have shaped my understanding of what it means to give from the heart:

The first comes from a commercial I saw years ago, one of the earliest produced by a group called The Foundation for a Better Life. It was a short clip that played before movies and on TV. In it, a father quietly teaches his son a profound lesson—something far more valuable than a basket of apples. He teaches him, by example, what it means to care. What it means to give. What it means to have a giving heart. I remember the first time I saw it—I wanted to be that kind of dad. The kind who gives even when it costs him. Especially when it costs him. I wanted my kids to know that this was the kind of life I had chosen.

The second example comes from the teachings of Jesus Christ. We know it as the story of the widow’s mite, found in Mark 12:41–44. Jesus is sitting near the temple treasury, watching people come and make their donations. The wealthy come forward, giving large sums. Two things stand out from His observations:

1. These people wanted to be seen. In their minds, their giving was generous—and they wanted others to notice.

2. And yet, they still had plenty of money left at home. Their giving didn’t hurt.

Jesus doesn’t condemn them—He simply draws attention to the difference. Society benefits from generous donors. But the one who truly captured His attention was the widow who gave all she had. Her giving was a personal sacrifice. It was an act of deep faith and love. It revealed a heart fully dependent on God. That is a giving heart.

There are countless other examples I could share, but I think the point has been made—maybe even in classic Aristotelian fashion.