Deep community rests on a bed of generosity.

But remember: the giver isn’t the only one who can determine what generosity is. You may be giving something, but this is only half of the generosity math.

The recipient must view what you’re giving as a gift. Only then have you been generous.

So take note in all the things you may give hoping to build community: advice, money, opportunity, obligation, expectations, time. Are you being truly generous if the other person doesn’t understand what you’re giving to be a real gift?

This is why “What do you need?” builds community faster than “Here’s what I have.”