Confronting the Thought: Giving Should Be Painful

It's strange that almost a year since the movie the Blindside came out - but I still receive hundred's of hits a week on my post on the film, and the performance by Quinton Aaron's performance as Michael Oher in this film.

On one of my post praising giving in a long term way (not drive-by service) has received some cranky comments, including one recently that criticizes the fact that The Blindside praises an athletic family that selfishly takes in someone for personal gain and that if the film makers really cared they will tell a story about someone who made a more painful sacrifice like adopting a handicapped child. (Which in my assessment on the surface is offensive as it's written on it's own).

One of things that saddens me about a comment like this is the concept that people have that giving should be painful.

One of my favorite definitions of the word "Sacrifice" is giving up something you love for something you want love even more. Miriam-Webster gives a similar definition as shown in the image below.

Not even speaking to this specific case, but isn't it often true that when we make sacrifices we get so much more in exchange?

I hate the train of thought that thinks "people only give because it makes them feel good." I think this is short-sighted to begin with, but let's say that's it...let's say people are selfishly looking for a feeling -- that doesn't negate giving and sacrifice.

What does it say about us if we judge others acts of compassion? charity? love?

Who taught us that sacrifice and giving should be painful with no reward, and even a side-effect reward or blessing would negate our sacrifice?

Definition from merriam-webster.com