I remember hearing those words as a young boy and thinking, “I’m not so sure about that, I’d rather receive than give something.” I catalogued that saying along with the parental platitude, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.” My thought was, “Okay, let’s trade places.” As I’ve grown older, and hopefully wiser, I’ve experienced the reality of the truth that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

In Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesians elders, he revealed this truth by giving them the example of his ministry,

In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

Paul worked hard in ministry, not for personal gain, but to assist others. The root word for “working hard” implies weariness (as though one had been beaten). This word also conveys the idea of exertion that often involved difficulties or trials. Paul realized that meaningful purpose in life is the result of what we give, not what we get. Winston Churchill wisely observed, ”We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Paul led by example, realizing that more is caught than taught. He was more concerned about giving rather than getting. He appealed to the words of Jesus as Jesus modeled this truth by giving His life to redeem mankind. Jesus revealed that those who give actually receive more than they dispense,

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. (Luke 6:38)

In what ways are you demonstrating the love of Jesus to the world around you? Several years ago an American serviceman was returning to his base and he saw a little boy with his nose pressed to the window of a bakery, staring at the special treats. The serviceman asked the little boy, “Son, would you like some of those?” “I sure would,” the little boy exclaimed. The serviceman stepped inside and bought a dozen. He gave the bag to the little boy and said, “Here you are.” As he turned to walk away, the little boy tugged on his coat and quietly asked, “Mister, are you God?” When we give like God, then we reflect God to the world around us.

Samuel Johnson taught us, “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” We must realize that no one has ever become poor by giving. May you experience the joy of giving in realizing that it is more blessed to give than to receive!

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5