A retired ABWE Canada missionary shares how giving now can bless both the giver and the receiver.
Recently, I had a conversation with my longtime financial advisor. At 90 years old, I’m thankful to still be in good health—no cane, walker, or wheelchair. I’m even still driving. In June, I completed a road trip of over 600 miles. Some folks ask, “Are you still driving?” I don’t always say “thanks for asking,” but I do smile. Life hasn’t slowed me down much.
During that meeting, I asked a question that had been stirring in my heart:
“Can I use a portion of my will money to bless my heirs now?”
He paused and said, “You mean warm hand giving.” That phrase was new to me.
What Is Warm Hand Giving?
Warm hand giving is the act of giving while you’re still alive—still present to see the joy, the gratitude, and the impact of your generosity. It’s the opposite of giving with a cold hand, which happens after death. Giving now means you get to share in the blessing.
After prayerful consultation, checks were sent out to my heirs. The response? Fireworks. Gushing thank-yous. “What a help this will be!” they said. As a retired Christian worker, I was especially moved to hear how the gift would help advance ABWE Canada projects I care deeply about. Warm handshakes, warm hearts, and a sense of shared purpose—these are the gifts that keep on giving.
Blessed to Be a Blessing
I believe Jesus is coming soon. That belief shapes how I live and how I give. I don’t want to wait until I’m gone to make a difference. I want to be helpful now. I want to be a blessing now.
My other heirs received proportionally warm-handed gifts too. Now they think I’m the greatest. And while that’s a nice perk, the real joy comes from knowing I’ve lightened someone’s load, encouraged their journey, and reminded them they’re loved.
Of course, we still need resources to live while on earth. But if you’re blessed, why not be a blessing?
A Bit of Farm Wisdom
Here’s a saying from my farm background:
“When giving, make sure your oats are not feeding a dead horse.”
In other words, give where it counts. Give where it helps. Give while you can still see the horse run.
Warm hand giving isn’t just financial—it’s emotional, spiritual, relational. It’s showing up, reaching out, and lifting others while you still have the strength to do so.
Let’s be people of warm hands and open hearts.
If you’ve been considering how to bless others, don’t wait. You might just find that the warmest hand is your own—and the greatest joy is seeing the fruit of your generosity bloom in real time.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by ABWE Canada on August 14, 2025. Used with permission.
