“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 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 20:32-35
Scripture Notes
When we encounter a complex problem, we seek resources to help us navigate it, often turning to various media resources to find a solution. However, no podcast, blog feed, or cable channel can replace the life-giving support of God and His Word. There are words of encouragement, accountability, wisdom, and warnings. There are lessons on joy, grief, trials, temptations, and love. As Paul tells the Ephesians, difficult times lie ahead; reach out for the Lord.
Blessed is a spiritual word pertaining to spiritual matters, but we all too often imply material wealth in place of spiritual enlightenment. If we give more, it does not necessarily mean that we receive more financially or in terms of equity. We are supplied with something richer, a connection with others that goes beyond bills or coins. What is difficult is that there is no predictability, no algorithm that tells us what that blessing will be. We have grown more comfortable with knowing data and calculations that we forget to give in faith, expecting nothing in return, and let what is, be. It may be that we never know what comes out of our selfless generosity, but what is more important is the posture of giving rather than expecting things to be given to us.
Although we are called to work as if we are working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23), that work does not lead to salvation. Doing good things does not lead to salvation. We should work with integrity and honor to meet our needs and allow opportunity to help others. Within our capacity, we should not cheat, profit from the poor, take advantage of people, or use a system that allows us to avoid working for what we earn. We should be proud of our hard work, knowing we do not work only for ourselves.
Christians are not called to live in poverty; however, no matter one’s faith or beliefs, the desire to have more money and power has taken priority over the calling of caring for those in need. It is essential to utilize the skills and positions, as well as the “labor of hands”, that we are called to work for the Lord. This means that some will have more and some will have less, but it should not matter as much as we make it out to be. Those who have more should selflessly give, and those who have less should humbly receive. At any moment, the tables can turn.
We are also given the responsibility of stewardship. Remember the widow with two mites was considered blessed, and the rich young ruler walked away from a relationship with God because it would mean not being rich. Our society should not dictate our priorities. As a believer, our priority should always be to give, to serve, and to have compassion. We should recognize that giving is a gift, a blessing beyond what we can fathom. Hard work and generosity are essential to every believer, and by doing so, we set an example for others to follow.
MEMORY VERse
Jacques de Gheyn (II). Poor Parents, Rich Children, 1580 – 1634. The Rijksmuseum
Related Verses
More verses about a heart of mercy and generosity:
Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- Who would be considered the modern equivalent of the “weak” Paul mentioned?
- What are some practical ways to help those in need in our community without pity or judgment?
- How can you put “it is more blessed to give than to receive” into practice in your life?
MANÁ 
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