The merit of giving comes from offering practical help. For example, if we see someone hungry without food and we have food, we share it with them. Giving in this way creates merit, an asset of ours that can never be lost. Giving is divided into material giving, giving the Dharma, and giving freedom from fear.
Material giving means giving money or possessions. When we see someone in need and share what we have to spare, that is material giving. When someone is suffering and we use the Buddha's teachings to comfort them, that is giving the Dharma. When someone is afraid, panicked, or unsettled and we stay close to reassure or protect them, that is giving fearlessness. For example, when children want to cross a busy road but are too afraid, we hold their hands and guide them across. That too is giving. Thus, all of us can give. Those with money or possessions can give those; those without them can give words; and those who are not good with words can give through helpful actions.
The merit we create ourselves is our true wealth; all worldly possessions will eventually disappear because they do not last. Have we been accumulating this wealth of merit, or merely saving money or depositing it in the bank? We keep worrying and fighting over what can be lost, while ignoring and forgetting what cannot be lost.
Try to pursue what you recognize as real; do not let temporary things weigh too heavily on your heart. This is essential. Between external wealth and inner merit, which should we choose? Most choose wealth because merit is invisible. Little do they realize that what cannot be seen cannot be taken away, while visible wealth can change. We should choose both, because wealth is a means that can also help us cultivate the field of merit within ourselves.
When we do kind and meritorious deeds and others follow our example, how much the world benefits.
We all strive to do good things. When we meet, everyone is cheerful, smiling and speaking warmly, rather than becoming angry, speaking or acting badly, and causing one another suffering. With this, our whole lives become abundant, joyful, and peaceful. Sincere merit always brings us peace and joy. When we are peaceful and happy, those around us also enjoy goodness and happiness.