Thoughtful Blessings
“…And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (NKJV)
Though this exact phrase of Jesus is not recorded in the Gospels, it was one that His followers remembered and definitely a message that He preached by the way He lived. It’s not hard to imagine Jesus using such a phrase after the feeding of the five thousand or the healing of the lame man.
It is an interesting phrase to ponder. Why is it more blessed to give than to receive? Perhaps it is because, by doing so, one is loving their neighbor as themselves. Or maybe it is because it puts one’s faith into action. When we give, we are practicing the selfless love that Christ has shown to us. It is amazing how a thoughtful word of encouragement can bring light to a poor souls gloomy day or how providing a meal to a person in need can touch a person’s heart. Many times, the most cherished gift is not the most expensive one, but the most thoughtful one.
I think of Paul writing to young Timothy, the pastor in Ephesus. Timothy was at his breaking point when Paul wrote him that first letter. Though it may have only cost Paul ink and parchment, I’m sure this meant more to his son in the faith than any gift money could buy. It was a gift that spurred him on; to stay strong in the faith; in the service of the Most High.
Today, remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Be thoughtful in your giving, and be purposeful to walk in the footsteps of Jesus with the way in which He loved others.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
-Jesus
Acts 20:35 (NKJV)
Though this exact phrase of Jesus is not recorded in the Gospels, it was one that His followers remembered and definitely a message that He preached by the way He lived. It’s not hard to imagine Jesus using such a phrase after the feeding of the five thousand or the healing of the lame man.
It is an interesting phrase to ponder. Why is it more blessed to give than to receive? Perhaps it is because, by doing so, one is loving their neighbor as themselves. Or maybe it is because it puts one’s faith into action. When we give, we are practicing the selfless love that Christ has shown to us. It is amazing how a thoughtful word of encouragement can bring light to a poor souls gloomy day or how providing a meal to a person in need can touch a person’s heart. Many times, the most cherished gift is not the most expensive one, but the most thoughtful one.
I think of Paul writing to young Timothy, the pastor in Ephesus. Timothy was at his breaking point when Paul wrote him that first letter. Though it may have only cost Paul ink and parchment, I’m sure this meant more to his son in the faith than any gift money could buy. It was a gift that spurred him on; to stay strong in the faith; in the service of the Most High.
Today, remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Be thoughtful in your giving, and be purposeful to walk in the footsteps of Jesus with the way in which He loved others.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
-Jesus
May your works be thoughtful as you serve others today and may they glorify your heavenly Father.
Anchored in Christ,
Aaron R. Force
Anchored in Christ,
Aaron R. Force
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