But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus— the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24
You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
Observation:
It`s interesting that Paul challenges his readers to remember words of Jesus which are not recorded in the four gospels. Obviously, not all of Jesus’ words were written down (John 21: 25). But “It is more blessed to give than to receive” certainly is what Jesus did live out. And we see Paul being inspired by Jesus: “But my life is worth nothing to me unless… I tell others about the wonderful grace of God”. Jesus laid down his glory and his life to bless us with His love. And Paul too, inspired by Jesus, was not only willing to lay down his past glory as a respected Jewish teacher, but also his life to be able to bless people with the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Application:
Do I truly believe “it`s more blessed to give than to receive”? Sure, this idea sounds great! But does my life reflect this reality? Or am I also mainly concerned what I can get out of life? In fact, don`t we all look for “good deals” not just for things we buy, but even in relationships? But, how much are we willing to sacrifice in order to bless others? No wonder the world is struggling so much with broken relationships.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for remining me today that “it`s more blessed to give then to receive”. Thank you that you did give up your glory and life on the cross to bless us with your love. I want to receive your love today again! Fill me with your love, so that I can become a “joyful giver” myself. I am thankful for Paul who followed in your footsteps. Thanks to him, we Gentiles did receive the Good News of God`s wonderful grace. Help me Lord, to follow you too by joyfully blessing others. Make my heart soft through your love and grace. Amen.
