Jump Start # 3979
Acts 20:35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
This time of the year is often referred to as the Season of giving. People tend to be more generous, thoughtful, kind and sharing around the holiday season. Our verse today reminds us that it is better to give than receive.
Contextually, Paul has been saying some final words to the elders of the Ephesian church. He knew and they knew that this very likely would be the last time they would see each other on this side of life. There were tears, encouragement and warnings. Paul used himself as an example of hard work. And, in these words he refers to a statement Jesus made. Our Lord said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
What is interesting about the Lord’s statement is that it cannot be found in the Gospels. We do not know every word the Lord spoke and not every miracle He did was recorded. But even more interesting is that somehow Paul knew about this quotation and it seems that the Ephesian elders were also familiar with it.
Why is it more blessed to give than receive? And, that is a transition point in becoming a disciple. Ask about any child, and they would much rather get something than to give something. Even many selfish adults are this way. I’ve seen some take way more than what they needed. I’ve seen people put sugar packets in purses when at restaurants. You’d think that if things were that tough for you, a restaurant would be one place you’d skip. But, there they are, complaining about the prices and stealing the sugar.
Some thoughts:
First, in giving you are thinking about someone else. It is a demonstration of your love and a parallel act to our God. The grace of the Lord is called a gift in both Corinthians and Ephesians. There are some gifts that can be divided and instead of one person benefiting, many can.
There comes with sharing and giving a great joy and satisfaction in helping others. I have been on the receiving end of gifts so many times in my life. And, what I have found is that this is a way for others to show appreciation for the good that they have received. Those that teach spiritually often are gifted with the physical things. It is a blessing to everyone.
Second, it is wonderful to teach our children this at a young age. More than birthdays and holidays, to find ways to share with others can become a lifelong journey that defines their character. Giving involves many more layers than money. Volunteering yourself to help others is an amazing gift. I’ve known some who have worked in soup kitchens, helped with hospice, given up a Saturday to help kids, worked in fund raisers, moved friends, and are the first to offer their help. Such willing servants that recognize how blessed it is to give than receive. I’ve known some who opened up their homes for others to stay long periods of time. I’ve known some who have given good furniture to a family who was in need. The list is endless and the good can never be measured when it comes to how the family of God has helped. Food for a funeral. Making cakes for a wedding. Driving long distances to visit a dying friend with cancer. I have seen a handful of cash given to a young preacher who was just trying to do the best he could.
I except each of us could tell heartfelt stories how others have been so kind and generous to us. It is amazing the wonderful things that can be accomplished when one understands the principle of giving is more blessed than receiving.
Third, God has given us far more than we could ever give Him. From the very breath in our body, to each new day, to our food, our health, our abilities, and then to think, His amazing word, His precious Son, His wonderful kingdom. God is good. God has given us so much. And, when we give to others, without expecting anything back, we experience the joy that the Lord knows.
One of the pressures surrounding presents at Christmas is the hope that the right gift is given. We hope the other person likes what we got them. We hope it’s the right color and the right size. We hope it brings joy to their hearts. With God, each gift has been perfect. Each gift has been just what we needed. Sometimes we don’t quite get it right like the Lord, but coming from the heart, each gift says something about the way we feel about the other person.
Giving and receiving…
Roger