Everybody wants to receive gifts and blessings every now and then, but not everybody is open to the idea of giving what they own to others who don't have. While that is the case, the fact remains that the Lord Jesus spoke of the exact opposite in such a profound way: that it's better to give.
"And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35)
Regardless of our feelings, it really is better and more blessed to give than to receive. Here are some reasons why being a giver is way better than being a receiver.
1. We become God's channels of blessing
The Bible says that every good thing that we have comes from God. Keeping this in mind, when we give God's blessings that were originally ours to others, we become God's channels of blessing to those in need. This alone is such an honour to have, and causes praise to be given to God.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 says, "Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God."
2. The generous will be made rich
Proverbs 11:25 says, "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself." Yes, my friends, those who give will receive, too.
Consider Proverbs 11:24, the preceding verse, which says, "There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty." Indeed, God loves to provide for those who love to share what they have with others.
3. Giving enables us to receive
Imagine a huge bowl, one that you can carry only if you use both hands. This bowl has some good old pasta in it. Now that the bowl is in your hand, you're unable to get a slice of that newly delivered deep dish pizza that just came in the door. Before you can get your hands on it, you'll need to let go of that bowl, right? Same principle: You can't receive more when your hands are full.
Consider laying up treasures in heaven – to God's purposes. Give to the Lord's work of spreading His gospel and love, for His glory.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
