Everybody loves receiving. Whether it’s a gift, compliment, or wonderful surprise … we love being on the receiving end of something nice.
But, of course, Jesus enlightened us to the truth that as good as it is to receive … GIVING IS SO MUCH BETTER!
Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Really, it’s more blessed to give than to receive? How is that possible when receiving feels so good? The first part of the answer is …
God rewards His faithful servants.
Yes, God absolutely promises to reward His followers for their joyful and loyal giving.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.
The book of Proverbs tells us that those who take care of others will, in turn, be taken care of (Proverbs 11:25).
But giving shouldn’t be done with a quid pro quo mentality … or else it wouldn’t be true giving.
Two Secrets To Giving …
First, Proverbs 3:27 tells us we should not withhold good from those to whom it is due. To even wait to do good is withholding. So, we shouldn’t wait to do good when we have the capacity and resources (mental, physical, spiritual, financial) to give. As the old saying goes, strike while the iron is hot.
Second, don’t let your ego get in the way of your giving. Take a look …
Matthew 6:3-4
But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
The Ancient Jewish Wisdom Of Equivalence Of Form.
Jewish wisdom states that since God is the source of all things, so He literally can’t receive. God only wishes to bestow to His creation. This wisdom states that to draw closer to God, we must strive to become more equivalent with Him. Or, in other words, strive to bestow on others (kindness, love, help, charity) and we draw closer – NEARER – to Him. This idea of equivalence of form is exactly what we, as Christians, strive for when we work to become more Christlike.
James 4:8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded.
A Path To A More Joyful, Inspired, And Inspiring Life!
Proverbs 11:25 states that a generous person will prosper and be refreshed. So, we shouldn’t look at giving as something that depletes us, but as something that helps us live more joyful and blessed lives.
