Why Giving Beats Receiving Every Time
Isn’t it funny how tightly children grip their toys, shouting "Mine!" at the first sign someone might take them? It may be comical as a child, but that instinct doesn't naturally fade with age. In fact, for many, it becomes a life pattern that leads to misery. But what if there's a better way to live?
The Mental Shift That Changes Everything
Early in my life, it hardly ever dawned on me that every single facet of my existence was a gift from God, from the ability to breathe to having freedom and loving relationships.
Jesus offers us profound wisdom when he says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). This famous quote wasn't recorded in the Gospels but was so well-known that Paul references it as common knowledge. This simple statement reveals the pathway to what Jesus calls "the blessed life."
The shift from "mine" to "giving" requires a complete transformation in our thinking. As Solomon wisely observed over 3,000 years ago: "One man gives freely and yet gains more. Another withholds unduly but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper. And he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:24-25).
This isn't just spiritual theory, it's practical reality. When we're stingy, people tend to be stingy with us. When we're generous, the world often responds with generosity. It's a universal principle that works whether you're a Christian or not.
Open Hands: The Posture of Blessing
Consider the contrast between closed fists and open hands. With closed fists, we declare "Mine!" while squeezing tightly, but with open hands, we can both receive from God and give to others.
Jesus illustrated this beautifully in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). When asked "Who is my neighbor?", Jesus told the story of a man beaten and left for dead on the dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Both a priest and a Levite, who were religious leaders, passed by without helping. But a Samaritan, someone despised by Jews, stopped to help, bandaged the man's wounds, and paid for his care.
The priest and Levite were miserly with their love, time, and money. The Samaritan gave his energy, care, and resources. That's what love looks like. That's the blessed life.
Accepting Your Calling as a Giver
If you're a believer, you've been called to be a priest, not in the traditional sense of performing sacrifices, but in bringing God to people and people to God through prayer. Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us that God gave "some to be apostles and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists and some to be pastor teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry."
Who are these "saints"? That's you and me, every Christian! We're all priests, saints, and ministers called to use our time, energy, talents, empathy, and money to do Christ's ministry.
Rather than wondering about your lifelong calling, ask: "What's my calling today?" James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." God will show you how to be a giver today.
Growing in Generosity
The Apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (MSG): "With all this going on, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground and don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort."
Consider Tom Monahan, who founded Domino's Pizza and sold it for $1 billion. After reading C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity," he began giving away his fortune. When asked which was more enjoyable, getting rich or giving it away, he responded: "No more yachts for me. I guess I had to get rich to realize that getting rich is really not that important... Giving to help others is so much more fulfilling."
Putting It Into Practice
Practice open-handed living - Physically open your hands when you pray, symbolizing both your willingness to receive from God and give to others.
Look for today's opportunity - Each day, ask God to show you someone who needs your generosity—whether it's your time, attention, encouragement, or resources.
Start small - Generosity isn't about grand gestures but consistent giving. Even small acts of kindness reflect the generous heart of God.
Record your experiences - Keep track of how giving affects both the recipients and you as the giver. You'll likely discover the truth of Jesus' words that giving truly is more blessed than receiving.
Remember: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). The blessed life of generosity is offered to each of us today. Will you accept it?
Reflection
In what areas of my life am I still holding onto a "mine" mentality with closed fists rather than living with open hands before God?
How might God be calling me today to be a "giver" rather than a "taker" in my relationships, resources, or time?
When have I experienced the truth that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" in my own life?
As a believer, how am I fulfilling my calling as a "priest" who connects people to God and God to people?
Application
Today, make the mental shift from closed fists to open hands. Look for one specific opportunity to be generous with your time, encouragement, resources, or compassion. Remember that as believers, we are all called to be ministers, saints, and priests. Your calling today may simply be to help one person in need, like the Good Samaritan did. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading about how you can be a giver in someone else's life. Don't hold back, even amid life's challenges, but throw yourself into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is wasted.
Prayer
Dear God, forgive me for the times I've lived with closed fists, holding tightly to what I think is "mine." Thank you for reminding me that everything I have is a gift from you. Help me to receive your blessings with open hands and to give generously to others. Open my eyes today to see the opportunities you place before me to be your hands and feet. Give me wisdom to know how to respond to the needs around me. Transform my heart to find joy in giving rather than receiving. May I experience the blessed life that comes from following Jesus' example of sacrificial love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
