It’s Better to Give than Receive
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.’
Acts 20:35
The Word says we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 12:31), and when we give from a heart of love, we are reflecting his love. Can we define love as giving? God is love and he is certainly a giving God, he sacrificed his Son for our sins. He has given us everything we need to overcome the world and receive eternal life, forgiveness through Christ, his Word, and the Holy Spirit.
Through him, God instructed the people to bring Him the full tithe and said, “‘Test Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows’ ” (Malachi 3:10). This verse reveals God’s heart for giving, not just our money but our time, our ministry to others, prayer, Bible studies, worship services, and reflecting Christ to everyone. God’s principle of giving and receiving is the law of all creation. Dr. Timothy Jennings in his book “The God Shaped Brain,” states: “This giving, outward-moving, other-centered love is the design on which all creation was constructed to operate. The law of love is the principle of selfless giving, which is the foundation upon which all life is built to function. Simply put, the law of love is the law of life! Harmony with this principle brings life, health and happiness.” “The law of love is the circle of giving that is the law of life.” We give and we receive, and when we give as the Spirit guides us, God gives more to us through the Spirit. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38) We give with our priority to serve the Lord, and he takes care of our worldly needs. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
Our loving giving heart is a caring heart that helps others and it’s our love for others that reveals our love for God. Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:37-40) Sometimes we are reluctant to give because it may be a financial drain, or we may have to change a scheduled event, or we simple don’t want help someone. When giving becomes a true sacrifice, this is when we are truly blessed by God. Giving also requires wisdom because we want to help people not enable them. For example I minister people that are trying to overcome their addiction and sometimes they ask for money. I ask what the need the money for and perhaps they say food, so I offer to buy them lunch. If I give money, the temptation to buy drugs may be too strong to resist.
Today display a loving giving heart, whether it’s giving encouragement, thankfulness, or your time. Look for opportunities to reflect the Lord’s giving heart and ask the Lord to fill your heart with contentment when you give. The more you give the more love your heart can receive from God.
Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with your love and your desire to give, whatever you want me to give. Fill my soul with joy and contentment every time I give, and it increase your love in my heart. Let me always be aware of the love you have for me, love that is centered on the cross of Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen