Better to give than to receive

https://odb.org/2024/06/07/joy-in-giving

It is better to give than to receive is not only paradoxical but counterintuitive. This principle originates from the bible, and yet I believe that even the world embraces it. Somehow, a generous heart opens up the heavenly blessings whether we are a believer or not. It’s like a universal principle that applies to all and that the blessings of spiritual realms are triggered when we do this.

It is a paradox because we will have less when we give. Thus, how can it be better for us by having less and giving away our hard earned money? Yet giving generously, genuinely, and sincerely will ultimately lead to us having more. Perhaps God, as the creator of all things, looks at us in a kinder tone with more grace and mercy in His benevolence when we give.

In Malachi 3:10, it is written: Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Even though it is in the context of tithes in the Old Testament, the principle remains that if we give generously, we can experience God opening up the windows of heaven and pour down a blessing until we have no more needs. In Proverbs 19:17, it is written: Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

But in Acts 20, Paul takes it one step further by giving himself to his ministry. He taught as much as he could and, at the same time, endured persecutions and severe hardships and beatings for the sake of Christ. He perservered on and never gave up. He worked for the upkeep of himself and his team and didn’t need to rely on the charity of others, although he was full-time dedicated to the ministry. He concluded in Acts 20:35 that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Give your finances but also your time and your service. Don’t just be content sitting on the pews observing and receiving. Stand up and go out there and serve God. It is indeed better to give than to receive!