Giving And Receiving

Acts 20:35 – 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." (NIV)

Luke 3:11 – John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." (NIV)

For a short time, some years ago, I served as a hospice volunteer. Some of my most treasured keepsakes, not counting the wonderful memories, came from these people who were my patients. One lady crocheted to pass the time during her last days. Each year as I decorate my Christmas tree, I am reminded of her through the lovely decorations she made and gave to me. One lady remembered me in her will. Of course, I passed the remembrance on to the hospice.

I was volunteering to help these people, yet they gave me far more than I ever gave to them. They had learned the art of giving and sharing. They had learned that it was more blessed to give than to receive.

When we apply the principles of Christ, we find that we always receive much more than we give. Life's greatest blessings come to us when we try to meet the needs of others with humble thanksgiving and the love of Christ in our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be more like You, learning to serve the needs of others. Help us to understand that when we serve others, we serve You and open our hearts to receive great blessings. Amen.