“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Although spiritually speaking, there are only saved or lost people (saints or aints); someone once classified all people as either givers or takers. This verse shows us that a giving person is more blessed / happy. Is it any wonder that people today, are for the most part, unhappy?
I witness this “taker” mentality on my drive to work as those who over slept, drive less than courteous. I witness takers in the workplace who have forgotten how to put in 8 hours’ work for 8 hours pay. I witness takers at the store, from the time they park in a handicap space or fire lane till the time they checkout with their full cart, in the express lane!
Admittedly, none of us are exempt from the desire nor opportunity to “take”; we are constantly conditioned to primarily think about “me”. But God forbid that Christians should yield themselves to “take” time, money, things, etc. that are not theirs! Being a taker not only robs others, it robs us of blessing, and ultimately, it robs God (Malachi 3:8)! The next time you are tempted to take something, why not try to “take” what Jesus said; i.e. your cross, instead of what you are being tempted with.
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23
So, how do we span this great gulf of selfishness? The answer is found in a relationship with the one who is the source of love; i.e. God himself (1 John 4:8, 16). The fruit of giving will only sprout from the root of love!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
God “loved” us so much that he “gave” us Jesus, and now we too are called to “…love one another…” (John 13:34, 35). When Christ commissioned the twelve, he told them, “…freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8). Friend, if you have not yet “received” the free “unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15) of salvation, you cannot tap into this realm of unconditional giving. Your need is to be saved and receive this gift of eternal life!
If you are a Christian, I believe we have a greater opportunity than at any other time in history to model godliness, simply by being giving. All it takes is for the common man to not yield to the spirit of the age but rather to be like Christ, and to “…give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). Giving will cost us our lives, but lets purpose in our hearts to do so, if for no other reason, simply because God loves it!
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
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