You’re more blessed to give than to receive - day 32

Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said:
'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

Do you remember what Christmas morning felt like as a kid? Do you remember the excitement? Does the memory remind you of the suspense of wondering what might be under the Christmas tree for you? What amazing memories! All that joy, all that fun.

On the other hand, have you ever not known what to give someone? Have you ever shopped stressfully for someone with no idea if and how you will purchase anything they will like? Purchasing gifts is often difficult and stressful.

How funny it is, then, what Jesus said in Acts 20 – that it is more blessed to give than to receive. This might sound strange at first; after all, we’ve all experienced the enjoyable experience of receiving along with the stress of giving. But, Jesus isn’t talking about what is easy or what is fun or anything like that. Jesus is talking about what God especially blesses. And God blesses both – but, giving more than receiving.

This verse is such an encouragement when we try to be generous. It is oftentimes a thankless job to be generous. Many might not notice your generosity. Some might feel entitled to your generosity. And some might go so far as to reject your generosity.

It can also be difficult on you to be generous. You have to ask yourself, “What am I willing to give up so that I can be generous?” And you might need to put aside something you would have loved, such as a vacation, an upgrade of some sort, an evening out with a loved one. That is why it is called sacrifice.

And let’s pretend that things go totally awry and you do something really generous for someone who absolutely rejects it. You know what? God’s word is still true and your giving is still blessed.