It is more blessed to give

I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " – Acts 20.35

I like studying farewell speeches. I always like to look at the closing words, the last thoughts that the speaker leaves.

Here is an interesting closing statement. After all Paul had said, after all his doctrine and theology and warnings and reminders and teaching how do you think we wrapped us his farewell address?

‘Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’’

Why would he close with those words? Surely there were more important things he could have closed with? Maybe these were just an afterthought?

I don’t think so. I think he knew exactly what he was doing. I think that these may be some of the most important neglected words in the church today.

I think Paul is stressing the importance in the church of being givers instead of takers.

What is a taker? A taker is someone who lives a Christian life for what they can get out of it. They go to church based on what the church has to offer. They minister based on salary or prestige or church size. They are in it for what they can get.

What is a giver? A giver is someone who lives a Christian life for what they can do for God and others. They go to church based on where they can serve. They look for things to do and needs to meet. They minister and spend their lives based on where God wants them and where there is a need and where they can serve others. They are in it for what they can do for God and others.

So where do we stand? Are we givers or are we takers?

Remember – it is more blessed to give than to receive.