It's better to give (1)

'It is more blessed to give than to receive' (Acts 20:35 NIV). These were Jesus' words that Paul quoted. Maybe it would have been easier if Jesus had said 'Receiving things is great! Giving things, that's good too, once in a while...' But we forget that Jesus gave everything of himself for us on the cross. He is asking us to completely rethink our view on giving to others.

And, what if Jesus wasn't only telling us to 'give' for the benefit of others (those we're giving stuff to) but for our own benefit too? God designed us in his image (Genesis 1:26), and the image of God is one of someone who gives. What does that mean? Let's look at another Bible version of today's verse to expand on what Jesus meant: 'More blessings come from giving than from receiving' (Acts 20:35 CEV). This means we'll be blessed by giving because in giving we will become more Jesus-like. We will find contentment because we'll be acting more like Jesus. And that is so crucial for our faith journey.

When, through giving, we find that deep contentment, in the long run we're less likely to crave getting 'stuff' from others.



So what now? What was the last thing God gave you: a particular exciting task or job, or valuable experience, even just your last meal. Find a way to mirror God's act of giving and replicate it for someone else. This may be a task that requires thought and creativity, but it's worth it.





— SCRIPTURE —

'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Acts 20:35 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Eze 24:1-27:24, Matt 22:34-46, Ps 20 , Pro 19:24-29