I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 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 20:33-35

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In our early twenties, my sister and I lived in Chicago, where we worked and paid our way through university. My sister had a really great job at the Lyric Opera House, and every week, they would put out a buffet of free food for the associates to show appreciation. One day, my sister caught the end of the free buffet when the caterers were throwing away the leftovers. Hating to see the food being thrown out and having a big and well-meaning heart, she quickly grabbed a couple of take-out containers and filled them as much as she could. She walked out of the building and attempted to hand one to the first person asking for help. They weren’t interested in the food, only money. So, she kept going around the block to see if she could find someone who would want some free food. By the time her lunch break was up, she didn’t have any takers. She recounted the story over dinner that night, dismayed and disheartened that her good deed wasn’t fruitful. 

When we give—whether it’s our time, resources, or love—we often experience a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. This joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a lasting sense of purpose and connection. Acts of generosity create bonds, foster community, and remind us of our shared humanity. Through giving, we reflect God’s love and grace, becoming conduits of His blessings.

What happens when this is tested? What happens when our giving heart is challenged? Paul experienced opposition in 1 Thessalonians when he recounts his time in Phillipi and dared to speak the gospel. The people didn’t want to hear what he had to say, but he continued on, as he sought to please God, not the people. He offered all that he had at work while sharing God’s word and sharing anything he had left with the people with whom he built a community. 

When we embrace the principle of giving, our hearts align more closely with God’s. His nature is one of boundless generosity.  The origin of giving reminds us of the ultimate act of giving: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,” John 3:16. God gave us the most precious gift of all, his Son, Jesus, who gave his life for us to have an eternal one.  By living out the principle of giving, we tap into a divine truth that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us. As we give, we receive blessings beyond measure, growing closer to God and to each other.

Next Steps

Would you pray this today:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the gift of your Son and the example of ultimate generosity. Help us to understand and embrace the truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Open our hearts to the joy of giving and guide us in our efforts to bless others. May our acts of generosity reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.