Why Give?

Jesus' well-known statement, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," does not appear in the four Gospels. It's found in the book of Acts, where the apostle Paul exhorts the elders of the church in Ephesus to persevere in their work. Paul points to his own example and says, "I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" (Acts 20:33–35).

What can we learn from this important Scripture?

Giving is mainly about ministry, not about money. Money is simply a tool for building up the kingdom of God. Paul wasn't even talking about money in his conversation with the elders (except to say that he never coveted the silver, gold, and clothing of others). He was mainly talking about working hard for the Lord—giving time and effort, making tough decisions, enduring hardship, helping others who are weak. Stewardship can't be measured by dollars and cents alone.

Giving must be motivated by grace, not by guilt. Paul told the elders, "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" (Acts 20:32). Earlier he had summarized his life's mission as "the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace" (20:24). Giving demonstrates gratitude for the undeserved kindness God has poured into our lives.

Giving softens hearts. Immediately after quoting Jesus' words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," Paul and the elders knelt down together in prayer. They wept and embraced each other as they said their good-byes (20:36). How good it would be for church leaders to spend more time on their knees together, bonded together by love and a common purpose! This is more likely to happen when a spirit of grace and generosity prevails.

Giving broadens vision. The elders were grieved that Paul had to leave them (20:38). If you ever have said "good-bye" to someone you care about deeply, you understand how they were feeling. It's one thing to give money to support the work of missions. It's much harder to give people we love—sons, daughters, and dear friends—knowing we won't see them as often while they do God's work in another part of the world. Yet, what a privilege it is to send them with our encouragement and blessing! It's a joy to know that our mission dollars are spreading the gospel to farflung corners of the globe we will never visit in person.

Most important, giving demonstrates a Christlike spirit. It's no surprise that Jesus would say, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Who has ever given more than he? And who deserves more blessings? God not only loves a cheerful giver; he is a cheerful giver. We love because he first loved us; we give because he first gave to us. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).

If it's really "the thought that counts," what are we thinking when we give? Hopefully, we're filled with gratitude for the love of God. We don't call it thanksgiving for nothing.