More blessed to give than to receive
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Apostle Paul is speaking to the church of Ephesus when he quotes Jesus by saying: “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 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. This saying from Jesus is not recorded in the Gospels but was most likely passed onto Paul by those who heard Jesus teach
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.
The best way to appreciate God for His goodness towards us and increase of profit in our daily work is to give to those who has no power or privilege such as the poor, the orphans, the household of faith among others.
The chain of God's blessing is attached to giving, so when we give with the whole of our heart, definitely, God's blessings is coming our way.
Some of the reasons giving is important in the life of a believer includes the following.
GIVING IS HOW GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS LOVE FOR US
John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses of all time. It says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
In the very presence of Jesus, God demonstrates that He is love and love gives. If we truly want to be like Jesus, we’ll give.
GIVING IS THE WAY GOD BLESSES OTHERS
When God was talking to Abram about creating a nation that would be his, the point was always about being a blessing to others. He tells Abram, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing” (Gen. 12:2).
God doesn’t often drop His providence out of the sky. He blesses us so that we will be able to bless others.
GIVING IS AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE
While God doesn’t want us to give out of compulsion (2 Cor. 9:7), He does want us to give. In fact, Jesus encourages us to give to everyone who asks of us (Luke. 6:30).
GIVING GENERATES CONTENTMENT
The Scripture says that the eyes of man are never satisfied (Prov. 27:20). People's heart is drenched at getting more wealth at all cost and this lead to lack of contentment. But seeing and responding to the needs of others helps create a sense of peace in their own desire for acquisition.
Be encouraged to give today so as to be blessed bountifully. God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, give me the grace to be a giver in all my ways in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, bless me so I can bless others in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.