IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

Introduction

We have often heard and quoted this verse recorded in the book of Acts. Even the secular world often quotes this verse which the apostle Paul attributed to our Lord and Saviour. In the preceding verses, Paul was making the case for disciples to understand the present needs of his time; he mentioned “you must support the weak” (referring to the poor amongst themselves). Those were troubling times in the ancient world, when Christianity was in its infancy, under Roman rule and persecutions. In his missionary journeys, he saw the poor and infirmed and also saw the rich cities.

Aim

In this article, we will examine the Lord’s words and conclude that, indeed, it is more blessed to give than to receive. For this discussion, the terms “giving” and “receiving” will be limited to tangible matters, that is money, funds and resources. 

Giving impacts both the giver and the recipient

God demonstrated his love for mankind by giving us His son as our Saviour (John 3:16). The Saviour directs us to obey His word and develop a giving spirit (Matthew 10:8, John 14:15). Studies have shown that people seem to be happier when they give of their means (2002 survey by the National Opinion Research Centre, USA). Another study in 2012 by the Journal of Health and Psychology found that regular givers live longer and find a sense of joy in helping others.

Understanding stewardship and ownership

For the faithful Christian, we understand that all we “own”- our financial means, property and resources, is actually owned by God (Psalm 50:10) and that we are merely stewards. Our hard work, the job that we have and these things all actually belong to God. We have these as a means to an end.

Luke 16:1-13 records the parable of the unjust steward. We realize that we are stewards (managers), we learn to use properly the things God has entrusted to our care. This parable is also about showing mercy and compassion to others.

Giving as opportunity to do good

Galatians 6:10 – “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Our blessings are a means to bless the poor and unfortunate souls among us. 

Hebrews 13:16 – “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” 

Doing good and helping others with what we possess pleases God. We must make such sacrifices with what we possess. 

Giving applies to all and has great impact

2 Corinthians 8:2-3 – “…… that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing.”

The Macedonian churches gave in spite of their own circumstances to support the brethren in Judea and elsewhere. Their contribution was impactful. Everyone must participate in the giving, even the poor. 

The widow of Zarephath was another great example recorded in 1 Kings 17:7-16. She gave the prophet Elijah of what little she possessed, even in her dire straits. Eventually, she was blessed by God. In the New Testament, we see the actions of another poor widow (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4). Jesus was observing people placing money into the church treasury. Her contribution was greater than that of the rich donors, because she gave of all that she had out of her poverty. God sees our giving, brethren, rich and poor. Give as we have purposed in our heart to – 2 Corinthians 9:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2.

Giving  helps us develop empathy and compassion

Giving helps us develop a compassionate heart. This happens both individually and collectively. Our contribution lessens the burden of another (Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 13:16). We should train our children to think and do likewise. It teaches us to focus less on ourselves and empathize with others instead.

God uses our giving to fulfil prayers

Giving is a means by which God uses us to fulfill another’s prayers. Giving to the poor is described as a debt/lending to God (Proverbs  19:17). The Lord states, “The poor you have with you always” (Matthew 26:11, John 12:8) whenever you wish you may do good to them. 

Compassionate giving relieves the urgent needs of others. It could be natural disasters, sickness, surgery and similar pain and suffering. The recipient would then give glory to God for our acts of goodness. We do not and must not give to seek our own glory. Our motive is to bring relief/joy to them and for the recipients to be grateful to God. Yes, they may thank us for meeting their immediate needs too. More importantly, the recipient (even strangers) will acknowledge the God of the Bible. In time, they will come to know that Christians are compassionate and kind people because of the God they serve.

Giving and receiving is empowering

Giving empowers us both individually and collectively. ‘I have the ability to influence and impact positively on the lives of others’, ‘I have played my part in God’s giving plan.’ The recipient will themselves ‘pay it forward’, continuing the giving culture to other needy from our example. Our giving can also influence other Christians to be generous too. It brings joy to both the giving party and the receiving party. It even improves the mental health of both parties. It fulfills the second most important commandment ‘Love thy neighbour’. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 teaches us this Bible command and principle. The Bible also affirms that “He who has a generous eye will be blessed. For he gives of his bread to the poor” (Proverbs 22:9 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

Summary

There are many more Bible verses and examples I can quote, but the main points are that we can and should be generous people with what we possess, looking out for the needs of others. Giving will bring joy to oneself and the receiver when we do it according to the Lord’s principles of using our money and resources. We in Singapore live in a rich country with no natural calamities and no regional conflicts. We are indeed blessed to be living here. We are well positioned to help others, especially our brethren in other countries and bring glory to God.

Ask Yourself:

1. What is stewardship in the context of giving?

2. Does giving apply to everyone?

3.  Name one impact of giving on the giver and one on the recipient.

Suggested Answers:

1. Stewardship means that all we have belongs to God first and foremost.

2.  Yes. Giving applies to all, both the rich and the poor. To give as God has prospered us.

3. To the giver, it brings us joy that we can and have the capacity to help the needy. To the recipient, their prayers are answered and brings them joy and relief.