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Acts 20:35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

A recent report in the Wall Street Journal detailed the upside benefits of giving. Research found that givers tend to be in better moods, have lower blood pressure and deal with stress much better. There was a special key in being able to follow the money given. When organizations reported that for every $100 donated, more than twenty children received food for lunch, givers were more likely to continue giving. Transparency like that encouraged givers to give even more often.

Our verse today quotes the words of the Lord, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I don’t think Jesus was focusing upon the health benefits that the giver received. Those that can help do that for those that need help. Blessings from Heaven have showered the earth since the days of creation. We give because God gave. We are generous, because the Lord is generous.

A few thoughts for us:

First, whether it was intended or not, the Wall Street article can deflate the purpose of giving. If I give because I want lower blood pressure and be in a better mood, it seems like my giving was about me and not the person I’m trying to help. If my blood pressure goes up or down should not be the reason why I give.

Throughout our N.T. we find the importance of motive is as valuable as what is done. Praying on street corners is fine, but if the purpose is to draw attention to yourself, then you have received your reward, as the Lord said. The same goes for giving alms and fasting. Paul told the Corinthians that if he had the gifts of tongues or prophecy but lacked love it was worthless.

We give, not to get a tax write off. We give not to out shine others. We give because we want to help. The poor widow who gave all she had, two copper coins, was praised by the Lord because of the richness of her heart.

Second, it is good for members to know where their contribution is being used. Sitting in a bank account is not what the Lord intended. There is a fine balance in taking care of the church building and pouring all of our assets into something that will not save a soul. We recently on two separate Sunday evenings, showed a video conversation we had with some of our overseas preachers. Putting faces to what a church does and learning what all is being done helps people realize the good that the giving does. Sometimes a posted letter on a bulletin board from a preacher is rarely read. It may be that many in the congregation do not know who the church even helps out. Better communication builds those bridges of fellowship and partnership in the Gospel.

Third, this week is the time our nation pauses to thank the Lord for the blessings of Heaven. There are some blessings that one cannot put a price tag on. Having another day to work in the kingdom, honor the Lord and help others is such a wonderful time. The blessings of family. The blessings of a wonderful fellowship. The blessings of having God’s divine word in our hands and hearts. The blessings of worship. The blessings of health. The blessings of forgiveness, promises and hope.

There are blessings that you share that likewise cannot be counted in dollars. The blessing of being someone’s friend. The blessing of encouraging someone. The blessing of showing Jesus to someone. The support, trust and dependability that you bring to a congregation. People count upon you and you are there.

It is more blessed to give than receive. That expression, Paul quotes from the Lord, is not actually found in the Gospels. It sounds as if it could be one of the beatitudes. The Lord must have said this to Paul.  However this is the impression you find on every page of the Gospels. Our Lord came and gave. Our Lord gave Himself. He was never too busy, too tired, or had more important things to do.

The Lord gave…and so do we.

Roger