Scripture

Acts 20:35b (English Standard Version)

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Consider

The idea that giving is better than receiving makes intuitive sense. Think of the joy you’ve experienced when giving a gift to someone you care about. Much of the fun of celebrating birthdays and holidays is in surprising and pleasing others with our offerings.

Some offerings, however, may seem too costly to bestow freely. Consider what it means, for example, to forgive someone who has wronged you or to grant a second chance to someone who has abused your trust. What do we sacrifice in refusing to gossip about someone who has behaved shamefully or in overlooking an offense that has cost us emotionally or financially? Sometimes such gifts feel beyond our capacity, or even our desire, to afford them.

Moreover, when we have suffered a personal wound, we may feel entitled to receive a gift first—an apology, restitution, or at least an admission of wrongdoing—before we will consider offering our own gift. Stubborn stalemates keep our relationships locked in hurt and anger and prevent those changes we need to heal and grow.

God’s antidote for a stubborn stalemate is love. Love motivates us to offer gifts when we would rather be on the receiving end. Because of love we can honor others above ourselves, even when we think they don’t deserve such treatment. Love reminds us that God forgives and accepts us without reserve, despite our every selfish act and evil intention.

We are blessed when we sacrifice pride and self-interest in order to give good gifts to others. Such obedience pleases our Father because it makes us more like Christ in nature and character.

Pray

FATHER, thank you for pouring out your love on me without reserve. At those times when I am tempted to hold out for payment from someone who has wronged me, help me to visualize Jesus on the cross, loving me with the greatest gift he could offer. Give me the grace I need to extend my hand, not to receive but to give, and to look for your blessing.

Reflect

Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3-4;  1 Peter 4:8

Share

When has someone loved you with a reconciling gift you did not deserve?