My whole life, I have been thankful to be a citizen of the United States of America—thankful for religious and political freedom. But an immigrant taught me to be thankful for America’s generosity.
Years ago, I interviewed a professor at my college who immigrated from Singapore. After describing the harrowing citizenship process, she said, “I love America. America is so—generous.”
She explained that the outpouring of resources and support America gave to Japan following World War II was unbelievable to Asian countries. In their culture, conquerors take, not give. America acted completely differently.
Why?
I concluded it must be a result of America’s Christian heritage. Jesus said in Luke 6:38,
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
A Generous Heritage
Throughout American history, many wealthy entrepreneurs believed they had a moral obligation to be generous with their fortunes. In “The Gospel of Wealth,” steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie (who gave away 90% of his fortune) encouraged the wealthy to give away most of their fortunes to good causes before their deaths.[1]
This reminds me of Milton Hershey (founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company), who signed over his entire fortune and future profits to the Milton Hershey School, a school founded for orphaned boys. Also, the American government gives to countries around the world for disaster relief and military defense. Whether we agree with this use of taxpayer money or not, we can acknowledge that the United States has a heritage of generosity.
The Continuing Legacy of Generosity
Regardless of our financial status, many Americans give generously. They give to churches, crisis pregnancy centers, disaster relief, Christian schools, foster care programs, and many other nonprofits. And you know what is really crazy? Our government encourages this!
Think about it. Many people receive tax deductions or credits for giving to 501(c)(3) (nonprofit) organizations. The United States government is willing to acknowledge Americans’ generosity and give tax deductions to encourage it. (And we know how much the government loves taxes.)
I am pondering these things because there has been a lot of discussion around me recently about a new tax credit opportunity. The Education Freedom Tax Credit, rolling out in January 2027, could directly affect me as a Christian school teacher.[2] Under this tax credit, individuals can donate up to $1,700 ($3,400 for married couples filing jointly) of the federal taxes they owe toward scholarships for students attending a Christian school of their choice. Then, those donors receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit when they file their next tax return.
Although many Christian schools avoid accepting government money, this money comes from private donors, and the federal government has not restricted its use to charter schools.
Christian education is close to my heart. My grandparents each left their homes to attend a Christian high school in the Ozarks. My mom wanted to attend a Christian high school so badly that she worked jobs to pay the tuition her parents could not afford. I grew up attending Christian schools or being homeschooled so that I would receive a Christian education. And now, I am a Christian school teacher. In my experience, both giving and receiving a Christian education require sacrifice. And it is mind-blowing that the United States government is acknowledging that and finding a way to support private education in a non-invasive way.
It’s a gesture of generosity. And it gives me one more reason to be thankful to live in the United States of America.
Tis the Season for Giving
As we enter a season of giving—whether that involves Giving Tuesday, Operation Christmas Child, local food drives, special church Christmas offerings, or other giving opportunities—let us take a moment to appreciate that we live in a generous country. Let us revel in the fact that people across this nation so often exemplify Christ’s example of loving generosity.
And may we determine to model that generosity ourselves.
[1]. Ellen Sheng, “7 Ways Andrew Carnegie’s Philanthropy Still Shapes America,” History.com, July 9, 2026, https://www.history.com/articles/andrew-carnegie-wealth-philanthropy.
[2]. For more information, check out a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). For those connected to Christian schools that are members of AACS, the SGO is Accord Kids. For those connected to Christian schools that are members of ACSI, the SGO is the Children’s Tuition Fund. Funds given do not affect funding for public schools.
Copyright © 2026 by Carmen Dillon. All rights reserved.
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Foster Connection.
Thanksgiving is a great time to practice generosity through hospitality. Check out Making Friendsgiving Meaningful for practical tips on planning and hosting a meaningful Thanksgiving celebration.
The Greatest Gift
This publication in the Divine Moments series offers an avenue for generosity. The profits from this book go toward Samaritan’s Purse. This year, I got to be a contributor! Check out my personal story “God’s Love Wrapped in a Teapot.”
