Giving is an important and humbling attitude, yet not always the most exciting prospect to our flesh. As I think back to when I was little, I don’t think I was ever more excited than when I knew I was getting (not giving) something new. But one thing I now know… there is a reality beyond this world that reminds me that it’s truly more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35.

When Jesus spoke these words, I don’t believe He was talking against or contradicting the blessedness of receiving His glorious Gospel. Rather He was shining His light upon the selfish heart of fallen man. Adam’s race is by very nature selfish, creatures that desire to get as much as they can, many times giving only when expedient to self. In a nutshell, we are consumers at the core. But…once translated into the Lord’s Kingdom, being born again by His incorruptible Word, the beauty of giving should begin to bloom, becoming more and more precious as we yield to His Holy Spirit and Word. But why is giving more blessed than receiving? For the answer we need to go back to the beginning. 

God freely gave Adam and Eve their very souls, time every day to fellowship with Him, a place to live, food to eat and the company of one another. He gave them everything, yet instead of following His example of giving, they did the very opposite, taking what rightfully belonged to their Maker. They took their lives into their own hands, stealing from the Lord God. Ever since that first act of robbery, men have sought to take and take and take, not content until all is consumed, much like the locust.

But praise God He did not leave us in this predicament!  Jesus entered His creation, choosing to be born at the appointed time. Romans 5:6.  He was born as a man, never stopped being God, to do what no man had ever done, yet was originally created to do- enter into a life of giving everything unto the One who rightfully deserves it all.  Jesus laid it all down, giving up His life even unto death. Philippians 2:8.  Instead of taking, He gave His life unto the Father, a living sacrifice to redeem thieves and robbers. What mercy! What grace! What love indeed!

Giving, in and of itself, is a futile act unless you know the True One you are giving all to.  This is the key!  It truly is more blessed to give that to receive when you know who you’re giving it all to – The Lord Jesus, our Blessed Redeemer! Knowing what He has done for such a wretch as me… now knowing Him, my heart sinks in utter humility and is  filled with love for my Jesus! How could I do any less than give all to Him? May we always seek His face, asking the Lord to help us see how foolish it is to hang onto things that aren’t even ours! We have been purchased; bought with a price. Truly we are His, and what could better than that!? 

 “But drops of grief can never repay the debt of love I owe.  So here, Lord, I give myself away.  ‘Tis all that I can do!”  ~Isaac Watts

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.  Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.  For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations.”  ~Psalm 100:2-5

“O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people.”  ~Psalm 105:1