“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
This is a basic principle of Christianity but it can’t be repeated too often. Jesus came as a gift from God to rescue us from our sins and reconcile us to Himself. As followers of Jesus, we have received so much through Him that we should be deeply moved to give like Him. Sacrificially. Painfully. Joyfully. Freely.
During our earthly life, our greatest blessings come from pouring out our lives, energy, time, talent, and treasure to make disciples and care for those who are in need. This is particularly true during this special season when our celebration of the incarnation of Jesus is constantly bombarded with commercial messages about what we “need” or “deserve”. As nice as receiving presents can be, our restless, dissatisfied hearts will quickly move on from whatever we receive and begin desiring something bigger and better. On the other hand, what we give during this season, particularly to those who can’t afford to give back, is the greater and more lasting blessing.
If you want to truly be blessed this season, focus on giving. Work hard to be able to give more. As we enter the final stretch run to Christmas, how is your mix of giving vs. receiving? Are you embracing the blessing of abundant, overflowing generosity? You will be blessed! #FollowJesus