”In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Acts 20:35New International Version (NIV)
Acts 20:35 Devotional
It is more blessed to give
It is more blessed to give (Acts 20:35) because giving to the weak (needy) is more blessed than receiving. Meaning that both giving and receiving are blessed acts, but giving is more blessed.
But what does the word blessed mean?
The word blessed, sometimes translated as ‘better,’ comes from the Greek word makarion which means happy. Therefore, the teaching “it is more blessed to give than to receive” means that ‘you will be happier to help the weak than to receive help for your weakness’.
Hard work should help the needy
Additionally, Luke records that Paul showed the Christians in Ephesus that by the kind of hard work he had modeled to them, they must help the weak while remembering the words of Jesus Christ: “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Therefore, Paul showed the Ephesians how he worked hard at making tents and used part of the proceeds to help the weak (Acts 20:32-35).
Consequently, Paul specifically commands that we are to work hard to help the weak. And in publishing this command, Paul called on the church at Ephesus, and us by extension, that the church ought to give financially to those who are in need.
Again in Galatians 6:10, Paul instructs us to give to both the family of faith and outsiders. Meaning that the weak are just the weak.
What about encouraging words and prayer?
Most often than not, we always like to encourage and pray for the weak. But James enlightens us that our words to the weak are deemed worthless if no practical action is taken to help them (James 2:14-17).
Stewardship
Therefore, you and I are required to steward our material resources wisely for the sake of the gospel, and to help the poor, the weak, the widowed, and the orphaned (1 Peter 4:10-11, James 1:27, and Proverbs 19:17).
Other facts about giving
Moreover, and firstly, giving cannot impoverish you. In fact, continuous generosity only makes you a channel for transferring material resources to the needy. And when you give, you create room to receive from God. Consequently, the more you give, the more room you create to receive from God.
Secondly, giving turns you into the needy person’s miracle. You become an answer to their prayer when you help them out.
Thirdly, generosity deepens our relationships with fellow men and God. It frees us from greed since the accumulation of material wealth does not lead to happiness like the way giving does.
Finally, giving is also:
- obedience to God’s command, thus, submission to His Lordship (1 Corinthians 1:2);
- godliness, therefore, likeness in the image of Christ and advancement of God’s kingdom (John 3:16);
- trust in God’s provision;
- praising God (Psalm 116:12); and
- rewarded by God.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord, please forgive me for the many times I have been stingy. I look forward to becoming a generous Christian. Please create in me a generous heart. This is my humble prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
May you become a channel of blessings, and in so doing, become “more blessed”. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Jeremiah 4-6 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
