The Apostle Paul is quoted as saying “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” KJV Acts 20:35 Question: Do you find that statement to be true? It seems at times; it is a really happy time of life when I receive. We are not that removed from Christmas; at which time I received several wonderful gifts. It was a happy time. But was the depth of happiness the same as it is when on gives?
This past year, the church that I pastor was provided a wonderful opportunity. A Christian Foundation to write us a check for $2000.00 every month, for six months. There we only two stipulations. The first was, we had to spend the money on people who were in need of help. The second was this, only a very small amount could be spent on members of our church. This would force us to have our eyes focused on the community in which my church is located.
I cannot tell you the impact this challenge had on me. First of all, the needs that are present in our little community. It is amazing what you notice and discover when you have “eyes to see.” Even more eye opening then that lesson was this, the deep, satisfying feeling of happiness felt when giving to people. Remind you, this was not our money, but was given to us by a foundation. I remember coming home from a discount store, with literally, a pickup truck loaded with food for a local food bank. I cannot tell you how satisfying that trip home was. I could add many more stories to that one.
Some of you may be saying, all well and good for you, but I don’t have extra money. No one has given me a check to spend. True. However, I am persuaded, it is not the amount, it is the participation that is rewarding. In II Corinthians we read, “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deeppoverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” II Corinthians 8:2. Even though the churches in Macedonia were poverty stricken, they still gave a very generous gift for the saints in Jerusalem. And apparently, they were glad to do so.
Here is my challenge, based upon what I have learned from this opportunity afforded my church. Pray to God that you would have eyes to see. Sometimes the “same ole, same ole,” blinds us to what is going on. Secondly, no matter what the size of the gift, give to someone who is in need. Jesus says you will be more blessed. I am here to testify; this is a true statement.
Is it Better to Give then Receive? - Todd Grover
Is it better to give then receive? - Todd Grover
The Apostle Paul is quoted as saying “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” KJV Acts 20:35 Question: Do you find that statement to be true? It seems at times; it is a really happy time of life when I receive. We are not that removed from Christmas; at which time I received several wonderful gifts. It was a happy time. But was the depth of happiness the same as it is when on gives?
This past year, the church that I pastor was provided a wonderful opportunity. A Christian Foundation to write us a check for $2000.00 every month, for six months. There we only two stipulations. The first was, we had to spend the money on people who were in need of help. The second was this, only a very small amount could be spent on members of our church. This would force us to have our eyes focused on the community in which my church is located.
I cannot tell you the impact this challenge had on me. First of all, the needs that are present in our little community. It is amazing what you notice and discover when you have “eyes to see.” Even more eye opening then that lesson was this, the deep, satisfying feeling of happiness felt when giving to people. Remind you, this was not our money, but was given to us by a foundation. I remember coming home from a discount store, with literally, a pickup truck loaded with food for a local food bank. I cannot tell you how satisfying that trip home was. I could add many more stories to that one.
Some of you may be saying, all well and good for you, but I don’t have extra money. No one has given me a check to spend. True. However, I am persuaded, it is not the amount, it is the participation that is rewarding. In II Corinthians we read, “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” II Corinthians 8:2. Even though the churches in Macedonia were poverty stricken, they still gave a very generous gift for the saints in Jerusalem. And apparently, they were glad to do so.
Here is my challenge, based upon what I have learned from this opportunity afforded my church. Pray to God that you would have eyes to see. Sometimes the “same ole, same ole,” blinds us to what is going on. Secondly, no matter what the size of the gift, give to someone who is in need. Jesus says you will be more blessed. I am here to testify; this is a true statement.