We’ve all heard the parable of the child who felt sorry for the hundreds of starfish washed up on the beach. He picked one up and threw it back into the water. An adult chided him, “Why bother? There are too many to help. You can’t make a difference.” To which the child innocently replied, “I made a difference to that one.” Then others were motivated to do their part, and soon many starfish were saved.
I want to be like that caring child- seeing a need, doing what I can without worrying about what I can’t do; being content to contribute in small ways.

Did you know there is a similar story in the Bible about a child doing something small that had a huge impact? A large crowd had come a considerable distance into the country along the shore of the Sea of Galilee to hear Jesus teach. It was almost evening, and no one had eaten. Jesus had compassion on the hungry people and asked a rhetorical question, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?”
“Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” John 6:8-9

Jesus then proceeded to feed 5,000 men, plus women and children, with the little boy’s meal!

Generosity sees the opportunity, not the impossibility. The boy gave what he had and wasn’t discouraged by the magnitude of the need. Maybe he intended for Jesus alone to eat it. Maybe he overheard Jesus asking his followers where to buy food and was too young to understand the immensity of the need.  Whatever his reasoning, he was completely unselfish- he donated all his food without withholding any for himself.

His generosity moved an adult to go out on a limb and bring it up to Jesus. It was a brave and humble thing for Andrew to speak to Jesus on behalf of the child. He probably felt silly even mentioning the tiny lunch. It was ridiculous to suggest that this small contribution could help solve the problem. Yet, something in Andrew wanted to recognize the child’s generosity. Wanted to hope that Jesus would accept this little boy and his offer. The boy’s gift couldn’t possibly help, but the gesture was genuine and sweet and should be acknowledged.

Andrew was by nature an intermediary; a go-between.  He cared. He was willing to connect two parties even when it seemed unlikely. This was a pattern with him. He had already connected his brother, Simon Peter to Jesus.
“Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus.” John 1:42

Later, he connected some truth-seeking Gentiles to Jesus.
“Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.”  Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.” John 12:20-22

The little boy must have had an impact on the other disciples, too. They were eager to distribute the food that Jesus multiplied among the thousands present. The child only had the capacity to give to Jesus. But Jesus had the capacity to give to thousands. And he used the willing disciples to facilitate that.

What the child did hadn’t gone unnoticed by the crowd. They were aware of the small gift and the huge multiplication. The little boy was an instrument to open the eyes of thousands.
“When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, ‘Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!‘” John 6:14 [The crowd would have known the prophecy of Moses who had given their ancestors miraculous bread,  “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your people.”  Deuteronomy 18:15]

Just as the child’s generosity spilled over into the lives of others, science shows evidence that when we observe others being generous, we are motivated to do the same.
“In controlled experiments, participants who witnessed someone helping another person were 26 percent more likely to help a random stranger later.” 1.

Just as the child was under no pressure to give, but willingly offered his small lunch, science shows that we benefit from willing giving, but not from forced giving.
“Generosity thrives in authenticity. Genuine, autonomous giving enhances happiness; however, giving for extrinsic reasons, such as pressure or obligation, can diminish or even negate all benefits.” 2.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

The Bible teaches us to follow the example of those who give willingly out of love for others and God. The benefits far outweigh the cost.
“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed [Greek literal, happy-making] to give than to receive.’ ”Acts 20:35
“And God is able to bless you [those who give] abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Science shows us that, “generosity reliably correlates with improved health and happiness.” 3.
Science has proven these benefits when we show kindness and generosity to others:
Pain relief
Stress relief
Happiness
Bonding with others
Improved DNA – Yes, we  benefit even to the cellular level!
“At the beginning and end of the study, the participants gave blood samples. The scientists looked for changes in a set of genes linked to inflammation and stress. Genes that, when overactive, are associated with a higher risk for diseases such as heart problems. The findings were fascinating. The group that performed kind acts for other people showed the greatest healthy change in their gene activity in immune cells. The blood samples showed reduced expression of genes tied to inflammation and stress.” 4.

In view of the little boy’s example and the strong promises of God, let’s commit to looking out for others this week. Here are some ways to motivate ourselves:

Keep our eyes and heart open to the needs of others by the help of the Holy Spirit

Keep company with people who are serving, loving, and giving.

Fill our minds with excellence, not junk, by reading the Scriptures, and biographies of worthy people.

Enjoy beauty in nature, art, and music to remind ourselves that we are part of something bigger.

Remember, someone is watching you! And so is God.

Footnotes

1. Influenced by example: https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/how-an-act-of-kindness-can-change-the-world-and-your-genes-5924493?utm_source=Goodevening&src_src=Goodevening&utm_campaign=gv-2025-10-19&src_cmp=gv-2025-10-19&utm_medium=email&est=FaOJlmwE0VxY00DP6BuNGwvI62idPP%2F%2BlgL9AK7ufGQQVt%2BLZC4J13tH4g2pAwQAAxk38kBnW0ss6g%3D%3D

2. Willing, not forced giving: https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/generosity-losing-a-little-means-gaining-a-lot-5773375?ea_src=author_manual&ea_med=related_stories)

3. Benefits of generosity: https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/generosity-losing-a-little-means-gaining-a-lot-5773375?ea_src=author_manual&ea_med=related_stories

4. DNA changes: https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/how-an-act-of-kindness-can-change-the-world-and-your-genes-5924493?utm_source=Goodevening&src_src=Goodevening&utm_campaign=gv-2025-10-19&src_cmp=gv-2025-10-19&utm_medium=email&est=FaOJlmwE0VxY00DP6BuNGwvI62idPP%2F%2BlgL9AK7ufGQQVt%2BLZC4J13tH4g2pAwQAAxk38kBnW0ss6g%3D%3D
The above article is fascinating reading!