“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way 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.’” Acts 20:35
In Paul’s parting words to those in Ephesus, he gave encouragement to keep working hard to serve the weak. These weren’t mere words, but an example Paul had also shown them firsthand. Paul didn’t serve because he was a nice guy or even as an attempt to impress God, but because he believed and trusted the words of Jesus.
What would change in your life if you truly believed that it is more blessed to give than receive? Many of our priorities and schedules would change if we truly believed this. Becoming a Christian means more than simply accepting Jesus’s gift of salvation, we also take on His way of life. Jesus made time for the poor, the lame, and the sinner. He sat with them, listened to them, and served them. If our Savior was not too busy to serve, neither are we.
- How have you experienced the benefit of giving to or serving others? How did that change your view of service?
- What are the places it is more natural for you to serve? Where is it easiest to neglect service?
- Pray and be honest with God about where it is hard to trust it is better to give than to receive. Ask Him to help you see the beauty and benefit in giving and serving in His name.
