Acts 20:35 – I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

The thing I love about the Apostle Paul is that he was always leading by example. He would never say “Do as I say and not as I do.” No, instead he says “Do as I do and as Jesus did!” When Jesus says our giving is more blessed, He’s telling us that there is more happiness or joy to be found in God when we give, rather than when we receive. Paul specifically states that we are to work hard to help the weak, most likely referring to the poor or those in need of assistance to care for themselves. As Paul is speaking, he is not simply seeking encouragement and prayer for the poor but is calling the church to give financially to those who are in need. It is more blessed to give than receive because our giving kills our self-centeredness, takes away the love of money, and fuels our mission to help those in need. Because we have been given everything we need in Christ, we don’t need to expect anything in return when we give.

Challenge:

Do you really believe these worlds of Jesus, that it is more blessed to give than to receive? If you do, then you know the joy you feel when you give a present to someone. Being able to bless someone with a meaningful gift, brings you so much delight because you know that you have been used by the Lord to bless someone practically. I challenge you this week to seek the good of others and to be generous to as many people as you can. I am not only talking about material giving, find ways to give the things that are needed in others lives. Many people just need a little encouragement. Who can you encourage today? Someone may just need to know they are appreciated by you. Who do you thank God for being in your life? Give yourself to the Lord’s work and in return you will be blessed. The grace of the gospel is driven more deeply into your heart and mind when you set your hope on God and give freely reflecting Him. God bless you.