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Is It Really Better to Give than to Receive?

We've all heard the saying, "It's better to give than to receive."  But where did it come from?  What does it really mean?  And is it true?

Acts 20:35 reads, "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive."

The first question is easy.  According to Paul, Jesus himself made this statement so it comes from a very reliable source.  One study Bible I looked at even said this is the only direct quote of Jesus' earthly ministry recorded outside of the gospels.  So if the saying came from Jesus, and we can find it in the Bible, that's a pretty solid bet that it's good stuff.

But what does it mean?  I don't know how about you but it seems a lot more enjoyable to get money instead of giving it.  And how lucky am I that today is payday so I get to do both (#sarcasm)!?!  From the time we are children even up through adulthood it seems that we would prefer to receive gifts than to give.  The world pushes this philosophy of get get get, acquire acquire acquire, accumulate all that you can for yourself.  Yet as Christians, we are taught that we should be more concerned with giving.  So which one is better?

I've been blessed to be on both the receiving and giving end of some substantial gifts.  My parents gave Brittnee and I the land that we built our house on.  We could not have afforded to buy and build what we currently have without their gift.  We are grateful, overjoyed, and thankful for that.  But how much joy do they have knowing their son and daughter-in-law are nearby in case of an emergency or accident?  And even more so, how much joy do you think they have knowing that their grandson (and soon to be granddaughter) are right there too?  They can pop in and see them, and as they get older they can walk or ride over.  We already have a trail cut to their house.  Yes, we received the gift of the land, but I imagine in their giving that they have received much more than we have.

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