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 20:35)

When we’ve become a Christian long enough, we must have heard this phrase at least once: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” But did you know that Paul was quoting Jesus? This quote is not found in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) but it can only be found in the book of Acts.

“And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” (John 21:35). As John said there are so many things about Jesus which were not recorded in the Gospels, but it doesn’t negate its importance or significance. Let’s find out the meaning of “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.

The Context

Acts 20 is Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesians elders before his departure. Paul emphasised the importance of hard work, helping the needy, and living a generous lifestyle. Essentially, when Paul quoted Jesus here, he exhorted the Ephesian elders that they needed to be more concerned with the needs of their congregation than their congregation could give to them.

This profound statement captures the essence of Christian living with the heart of generosity and selflessness that we strive for.

I know that this phrase is so counterintuitive to what we’re accustomed to. The world says receiving or acquiring is akin to success, joy and fulfilment. Our flawed logic says that we “lose” some of our resources when we give. However, Jesus teaches us to forgo our self-centredness and give sacrificially to others.

The Implication

Here’s an anecdote that I’ve come to realise: people who are so generous with their resources, are also those who happen to be endowed with abundant resources.

I have tremendous respect for Warren Buffett. I’ve read many of his biographies and watched many of his interviews. Did you know that Warren Buffett has pledged to give 99% of his wealth to the benefit of the world? For someone of his stature, this is not a small feat. He doesn’t live in a huge mansion with a garage full of exotic cars. Instead, he’s still living in the same modest house in Omaha that he bought in 1928.

“Were we to use more than 1% of my claim checks (Berkshire Hathaway stock certificates) on ourselves, neither our happiness nor our well-being would be enhanced. In contrast, that remaining 99% can have a huge effect on the health and welfare of others.” – Warren Buffett from Giving Pledge’s website.

Please note that I am not trying to put Warren Buffett on a pedestal here. Considering he is an agnostic today (although he grew up in a Presbyterian family), and yet he exemplifies this radical generosity, why then we, Christians are still struggling to live out this radical generosity?

Of course, I know what you think, even if he lives on 1% of his wealth, he’ll still be a billionaire. And yes, you are absolutely correct. But did you know that if you’re reading this on an iPhone or iMac, you are most likely in the 1% of the world’s population? I’d wager that virtually everyone in our church belongs to the 1% of the world. You can fact-check this by the way. There’s a website for this.

So if only we have this sacrificial heart embedded in us, then everyone else will get something. That would be the most ideal utopian world to be in, wouldn’t it?

But we know since we still live in this fallen world, it’s never easy to live in such a way. Thus how can we apply this principle to us today?

Here are three practical ways to give:

1. Time. Our time is a valuable gift. So when we give our time to help others, it is a powerful way to give. Whether it is mentoring a young person in our church, helping out at a soup kitchen, or simply being there for your friend in need.
2. Talent. Every one of us has been gifted with a unique set of talents and spiritual gifts. Whether it is teaching, serving, exhorting, shepherding, prophesying, or leading.
3. Resources. Last but not least, financial giving is also important. Such as supporting your local church, or charities, or helping someone you know in dire need.

The Reason

Firstly, giving brings lasting joy. While receiving can bring temporary happiness and true joy is not found in wealth accumulation, but it is found in living a life that serves others. This joy comes from knowing that we’ve made a positive impact on someone else’s life. It is a joy rooted in love and selflessness. Paul exhorts us in Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Secondly, giving is only an act of worship. Paul urges us in Romans 12:1“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.”

Thirdly, giving shifts our focus from ourselves to others. In a fallen world where we’re being taught to prioritise ourselves and desires, giving reminds us to love our neighbours as ourselves. It also helps us recognise our blessings and fosters a spirit of gratitude and humility. “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31

Finally, giving is a reflection of God’s character. So God is the ultimate Giver. God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that we’ll have eternal life (John 3:16). This sacrificial love is the crux of our salvation and this motivates us to give sacrificially here on earth. Whether we give our time, talent or resources, we are exemplifying God’s character and this makes us more like Christ.

The Conclusion

So is it more blessed to give than to receive? YES!

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” is a timeless truth that challenges our flesh. I hope this article inspires you to embrace the joy of giving. May we, church members of BIC lead a life of generosity and selflessness. In doing so, we are living out the Gospel and reflecting the love of our Saviour, Jesus Christ to the world in need.

Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding us to be more generous with our time, talents, and resources. Thank you for sending us your only Son to die on the cross for our sins. Forgive us for our selfishness. Grant us the ability to give sacrificially to others so that we may become more like Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.