Giving

“It is more blessed to give than receive.” Acts 20: 35 

Acts 20: 35 is one of the “Be Attitudes” as known in the Bible.  It’s unusual—the giver more blessed than the receiver.  Paul, who wrote the book of Acts, shares the “Be Attitudes” and illustrates giving secures more real happiness than receiving.  However, this attitude goes against our natural intuitions and instincts.

So, why more blessed than to receive?  When we have the capacity to meet a need—to bless others, we are obeying God and His call to serve others.  In turn, when we obey God and bless others, God in turn provides and blesses those who bless.  It’s not a one-way street.  God will bless those who bless others—Genesis 12: 3:  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

How do we bless others?  Pray, text a Bible verse of meaning, spend time with others and listen, help with chores, write a personal note, share a meal, provide a meal, share an encouraging story, invite to a Bible Study.  We have endless opportunities to bless others.  Most are small and not very costly; a few are large and can be costly.  No matter the size or the cost, the heart of the giver to meet the need of someone else is the most important.

Today, bless someone, serve someone, give to someone.  If we are traveling, open the door or help someone with their bags.  In our hotel room and locker room, leave it as clean or cleaner than we found it.  These acts seem small, but will be a great blessing to someone else.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill