Orange Moon Friday, May 20, 2022 "More Blessed To Give"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…

"More Blessed To Give"

 

 

    If, as the Lord Jesus Christ said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," who should thank who when a good deed is done, or a gift given? (Acts 20:35).  Should the more blessed giver thank the recipient?

    I am not trying to cause a ruckus by the question, or tinker with the normal expression of gratitude human beings practice toward each other wherein the recipient thanks the benefactor.  Moreover, I certainly do not suggest that the Giver "of every good gift and every perfect gift" should thank us because He finds so much pleasure in blessing us (James 1:17).

   I do, however, want to emphasize that as wonderful as it is to receive, it is far more heart-fulfilling to give.  We understand this in our human relationships.  As adults, most people find the gift-giving of Christmas, for example, far more joyous than the gift receiving.  To imagine, plan, and sacrifice time, effort, and expense to bestow a special Christmas present to someone else provides far deeper and truer pleasure than gifts we receive.  Doubtless, we all remember many moments of such grace with family and friends that bless us to this moment because of their response to some simple present we was blessed to give.  Again, as the Savior said, it really is more blessed to give than to receive.

   I feel this in ministry more than in any other experience.  As one who preaches and writes, I am hopeful the words I express serve as a blessing to hearers and readers.  I know, however, that those who listen and read are a greater blessing to me.  Any Christian communicator worth his salt feels this way.  Something wonderful happens when expressing thoughts to a congregation, or writing words others may read.  The giver becomes the recipient, even as our Lord told His disciples that ministering to others in God's will served as food to Himself (John 4:34).

    I try to regularly thank people to whom we seek to minister for the ministry they are to us.  So, allow me to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to you for reading these messages.  I am grateful for you, and be sure that I do not take for granted the gift you are to me.  "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  The Lord Jesus said that.  He lived that.  He died that.  And He now lives that in those who believe as He works to reveal the fulfillment of His unselfish love in our hearts…

"Walk in love, even as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God."

(Ephesians 5:2)

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

(Philippians 2:4)

Weekly Memory Verse

   "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him."

(I John 4:9)

  

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