
Acts 20:35
"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.'"
I can remember times when I gave a gift expecting or at least hoping for a certain kind of response. When the response was different or less than I had anticipated, I felt let down or even hurt. These words from Jesus remind me to give with the spirit of giving, for the sake of giving, and not for the sake of being the giver.
Holy Lord, help me to be a generous giver, for your sake, and not for my own. Amen
Becky, transforming
Generosity
December 27th, 2023
Acts 20:35
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
I don’t believe there is one of us who have not heard this phrase, “it is more blessed to give than to receive”and continue to live by this motto. I never thought I was worthy enough to be blessed so I tried very hard to bless others. God has taught me that we do not know what happy is until we forget about the me, myself, and I and start focusing on others and…
Acts 20:35
I love the fact that money is not mentioned in these verses. The writer says he worked hard to help those in need. He was not working to support just himself, but those around him who needed his help. The last line is so true. When you give of your time and talents, the rewards are immense.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the example set by those before me, and the talents you have given me. Amen
Acts 20:35
At the heart of generosity is a sincere desire to bless others. Generosity for recognition, social influence, tax considerations or other secondary gain may provide benefit, but does not bless. The secular mind cannot grasp this distinction, but God certainly does. Scriptural generosity is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer - Lead me, Lord, to ways in which I can bless others, honor You and thus receive blessing through spontaneous generosity of the type that Jesus taught. Amen