Am I a Giver or Taker
Acts 20:35 It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Paul quotes his LORD here while making a point. He makes a point that he never begged for their money. He had a tent making job that provided for their needs. He raised money only for the churches, predominately Jerusalem, that was in major financial problems due to a number of factors.
This statement Ive found in my own life is so powerful. I'm full and complete, satisfied when I give. In this world full of takers, its refreshing and a powerful statement when we give! I remember the 14 large boxes of brand new baby clothes some women from Minnesota shipped down to us after hurricane Katrina for donations. We decided to set up a tent outside the church and give these wonderful items away free of charge. Oh, that was so very thrilling! Some hoarders came but mostly those who needed the items. It was on many occasions that people would ask, "are you sure you don't want some money for these clothes, maybe an offering to the church?" Nope, freely we received them freely give them away. We would also share the simple gospel message how you only need to receive Jesus. No cost! That was a blessed day! Now anytime we give unto the LORD, its blessed. This isn't to downplay us receiving! But this world is full of takers, not receivers necessarily. There is blessing in receiving, a humility at times we need to allow. For many, its hard to receive. I want to follow in my LORDS steps and be a giver!
Paul quotes his LORD here while making a point. He makes a point that he never begged for their money. He had a tent making job that provided for their needs. He raised money only for the churches, predominately Jerusalem, that was in major financial problems due to a number of factors.
This statement Ive found in my own life is so powerful. I'm full and complete, satisfied when I give. In this world full of takers, its refreshing and a powerful statement when we give! I remember the 14 large boxes of brand new baby clothes some women from Minnesota shipped down to us after hurricane Katrina for donations. We decided to set up a tent outside the church and give these wonderful items away free of charge. Oh, that was so very thrilling! Some hoarders came but mostly those who needed the items. It was on many occasions that people would ask, "are you sure you don't want some money for these clothes, maybe an offering to the church?" Nope, freely we received them freely give them away. We would also share the simple gospel message how you only need to receive Jesus. No cost! That was a blessed day! Now anytime we give unto the LORD, its blessed. This isn't to downplay us receiving! But this world is full of takers, not receivers necessarily. There is blessing in receiving, a humility at times we need to allow. For many, its hard to receive. I want to follow in my LORDS steps and be a giver!
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3 Comments
It is a blessing to give and a blessing to receive, but oh the extra joy in giving; especially when the giving is done at the Lord's prompting.
Yes it is. We grow to understand that this side of eternity, we a conduits of God. What we have, we enjoy, but often times is not just for us. Looking at the bigger picture, God blesses us, gives us, then to give to the world. Just as the feeding of the 5000 as well as the 4000. Oh, we are blessed, but what a blessing to partake of the joy God does as we give what belongs to God unto His purposes. If everything I have came from God, its only fitting to figure out why He entrusted me.
Amen!