“It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35). Is that really true? Is the giver happier than the getter? Surely that’s not right? That goes against all our intuitions and instincts. Let’s look at a few reasons why it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive.
1. Giving obeys God
The Old Testament has way more commands about financial giving than the New Testament. Of course, the New Testament illustrates the ultimate example of giving - Jesus giving Himself to death. But, just in case we might miss the link, there are clear New Testament commands also (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
2. Giving trusts God
One of the biggest barriers to giving is fear. Fear that if I give away what I have that I won’t have enough for everything I want (or even need). But when we give, we are expressing our trust in God to provide for us.
3. Giving imitates God
God is the ultimate giver – the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Being made in His image, we are called to emulate His character. The larger our hearts, the larger the picture we paint of God’s character.
4. Giving makes God smile
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 2:7). God smiles when He sees His people opening their hearts and hands to provide for the needs of His Church and indeed of all His creatures.
5. Giving advances God’s kingdom
We choose to advance many kingdoms – Apple, Amazon, Disney. But think of what happens when we fund the mission of Christ’s church. We are paying salaries of ministers and missionaries. We are providing resources for worship, community, and mission. Our dollars are changing homes, relationships, countries, and even the eternal destiny of many souls.
So, is that right? Is it really more blessed to give than to receive? I believe so! But don’t take my word for it. God says, “Test me in this…” (Malachi 3:10). Try it!
Ryan
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