Blessed to be a giver
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” ~ Acts 20:35
I have always loved to give gifts, but I have not always been in a position to give as much as I would like. As we approach the time of year of celebrating the birth of Jesus, it seems fitting to talk about giving since it is one of the greatest expressions of love. During Christmas, I love to sing carols, share big meals and desserts, send cards to loved ones, and give gifts. Yet, many people misunderstand the true reason behind gift-giving. So much of the world focuses on receiving presents, but the heart of Christmas is about giving. God gave the world His Son, and through Him, the greatest gift of salvation continues to be given today.
In today’s passage, Paul reminds his readers of something Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Interestingly, this quote is not found in the Gospels or anywhere else in Scripture. That might be because Paul received this directly through revelation from Jesus Himself. Over the years, I have read this verse and thought it simply meant that giving makes a person feel happier than receiving does. But lately, the Holy Spirit has been showing me there is much more to it.
The real blessing in giving is not in the act alone but in the heart behind it. The blessing comes when giving is done as unto the Lord. When I give to others with a pure desire to bless them and honor God, something powerful happens. My giving becomes an offering to Him, and that opens the way for His favor and grace to overflow in my life. Every time I give to others in love, I am blessing God Himself. That is where the true blessing of giving is found.
Here are some ways you can begin your giving journey:
- Ask God to give you a generous heart and to help you see opportunities to bless others each day.
- Look for someone around you who needs encouragement or practical help and take action to meet that need.
- Choose one person this week to surprise with an act of kindness, a small gift, or a thoughtful note.
- Give without expecting anything in return. Let your motivation be to honor God, not to receive recognition.
- Pray before giving and ask the Lord to multiply the impact of your gift for His glory.
- Keep a “giving journal” where you write down moments when you gave and how God used those moments to bless both you and others.
Today I want to encourage you to focus on being a blessing to others in every season. If giving has ever felt difficult or burdensome, ask God to change your perspective. Let Him fill your heart with joy as you give from a place of love. Don’t worry about the amount or the size of what you give. The true value is in the heart that gives it. Every time you extend kindness, generosity, or help to someone in need, you bless the Lord Himself. Make this Christmas season the beginning of a lifestyle of giving, not just something done once a year. As you do, you will find that your joy increases, your faith grows stronger, and your life becomes a beautiful expression of God’s love in action.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:25-38
25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.
26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.
34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.
35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him,
38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
Journal:
- How do I feel when I give to others from a sincere heart?
- What keeps me from being as generous as I want to be?
- Who in my life could I intentionally bless this week?
- How can I make giving a part of my everyday life beyond the Christmas season?
The Daily Dose 