FRIDAY: BLESSED TO GIVE

KEY PASSAGE

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

DEVOTIONAL

As a follower of Jesus, giving to someone in need ought to satisfy our souls. Most people love receiving something, like a gift, especially when it is thoughtful and intentional. There is nothing wrong with that! Jesus, though, desires that we develop a true sense of joy and fulfillment in giving to others. Yes, we are joyful to receive something we want or need, but there is a deeper and greater sense of joy to be found in meeting the needs or desires of another.

Think of a time when you gave someone the perfect gift, or provided for someone in desperate need. How did they respond to what you did for them? Wouldn’t you do that a thousand times over for others if you were able to? I love how this verse recalls Jesus' words “It is more blessed to give than to receive” when considering the needs of the weak. Giving may not be convenient, but it is life changing. Not only does it change the recipient’s life, maybe even drastically, but it changes the givers life drastically too. Giving shifts our focus off of ourselves and chooses to do something about someone else. This is the greater blessing!

CHALLENGE

What can you give today? The possibilities are endless– a smile in the aisle at the store today, encouragement to the cashier, provision for a tangible need for someone in your family or circle of influence. You could be the one God desires to use to give light and life to someone else today. What is on your heart to give? Choose to give today.