“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner, you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
Every day, find a small way to give back. Jesus has made our cups overflow – let that overflow reach others.
In your life, you will have many opportunities to be a taker, but you will also have many opportunities to give. But, as Paul said, giving requires “working hard in this manner”. It takes a special kind of person to understand and see the needs of others and work the extra amount required to meet them.
However, is there anything more satisfying in life than giving? When we learn to give, we become aligned with our heavenly purpose as servants, and we will often find that the desire to give becomes almost addictive. The reason it feels good is because we are doing what we were made for.
The devil is a lion who roars and consumes. Jesus is a lamb who gives Himself as a sacrifice. Giving is the way of the Lamb.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Acts 20:28-38
Questions to ask:
- How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
- How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
- What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
- What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision