DUNAMIS_ THE COMPANY WE KEEPDUNAMIS_ THE COMPANY WE KEEP
Resilient Truths
Dr. Bell shares the meaning of giving and how having boundaries is important. We understand situations and circumstances come and can typically drain us but one must also take into consideration the people in our lives who use us as a tool even as a crutc
39:17•28 Feb 2024
DUNAMIS: The Power of Giving Without Losing Yourself
Episode Overview
- Giving is meant to come from the heart, not from pressure or money-focused teaching.
- Healthy boundaries are essential so that helping others doesn’t leave you drained or resentful.
- Forgiveness is a gradual process that must be seen in behaviour, not just spoken with words.
- Accountability and self-reflection are key to avoiding constant blame of others.
- The people you keep around you can either support your growth or rely on you as a constant crutch.
“You give what’s in your cup, and then what’s in your saucer you give to others.”
What drives someone to seek a life that’s truly generous without ending up emotionally, spiritually, or financially exhausted? This episode of Resilient Truths zooms in on the power of giving and the company you keep, with Dr Theresa M Bell unpacking a much-quoted Bible passage: Luke 6:37–38. Instead of money-focused preaching, she reminds everyone that, “When you give, you give from the heart. And you don’t have money in your heart.
Money is a tangible item.” The talk challenges the prosperity gospel idea of $500 and $1,000 “giving lines”, stressing that the scripture is about judging less, condemning less and forgiving more – all backed up with clear boundaries. Dr Bell shares openly how her love of helping others sometimes leaves her drained, running “around in a Cadillac with a food stamp card” because she’s doing “everything for everybody”.
You’ll hear her wrestle honestly with over-giving, from supporting homeless families to taking on multiple roles at work without extra pay, and how God has been showing her she needs stewardship and limits. She ties this into recovery and personal growth by talking about accountability, forgiveness as a process, and learning to say no without losing compassion.
Her past with drugs, alcohol and prostitution is mentioned as proof in her words that “if he can bring me out… I know he can do it for anybody,” but she insists that help starts with being willing to ask for it. The tone is warm, funny at times, and very real – you’ll get straight talk on faith, boundaries, over-responsibility and how the people around you can either refill your cup or drain it dry.
If you’ve ever felt guilty setting limits on what you give, this conversation might make you rethink where your heart – and your energy – are really going.
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