The saying, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ isn’t just an old adage, they are words from Jesus Christ Himself (Acts 20:35).  While we hustle and bustle to buy gifts for friends and family this time of year, let us not forget those who are in need, those who are struggling in one way or another or may be lonely.  There are many ways to do good, not only now but all year long.Let’s look around us and keep our perspective. Look for those in need and remember to do good to all, not just to those who do good to us. Luke 6:33 describes that this is one thing that sets the Christian apart. Please be mindful of the words, the commands, of our Lord to give, and give freely.

US Researchers have backed this up with several studies finding that the saying “its better to give than receive” is true.  ”Most people would think that if you make more money you are going to be a lot happier,” said Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School. “Our results, and a lot of other people’s results, show that making more money makes you a little bit happier, but doesn’t really have a huge impact on you. Our studies suggest maybe that little changes in how you spend it make a difference.” The conclusion of the study showed that regardless of income level, those people who spent money on others reported greater happiness, while those who spent more on themselves did not. Isn’t that how our Lord works. His ways are not our ways. Our own wisdom is upside down to how He works. He exalts the humble (Matt 23:12), He chose the poor on this earth  to be rich in faith (James 2:5), His power is shown in our own weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9), and on and on…

Think about a time when you gave someone something they didn’t even know they needed, but  they fell in love with the item as soon as they saw it in the box. I imagine that this is the feeling that comes over God, whenever we accept His gift of salvation and respond in love and then obedience to it.

Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15: 1-7. In this parable he likens salvation to a lost sheep being found by its shepherd. “And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”

Ultimately, this is the heart of the idea that it is better to give than receive. God gave us the ultimate gift of salvation through the birth and death of Jesus Christ. For many of us, it is a gift we went along without, not realizing we needed it until we finally received it. God desires our gifts of praise and service to Him, but actually rejoices when we accept His gift to us. Whenever we give to those we love this year, let it serve as a reminder that we have already received the greatest gift and let it motivate us to share that gift with others.