… remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” Acts 20:35 GNT
Who is the most generous person you know personally? If they are truly generous, I may not know who that person is, but I know this about them – they are joyful too. Jesus promised there is a direct connection between our generosity and our joy. So, the wise thing to do is to get as close as you can to generous people and let them rub off on you.
I have known numerous truly generous people over the years, and I was privileged to be raised by two world champion generous givers. Dad and Mom, from the first day of my awareness, were constantly giving away everything they had without complaint. They gave hospitality (meals and welcoming people without housing) to stay with us for undetermined amounts of time and money. If it was theirs, it didn’t stay in their hands long when they knew of a need. They were the first to give to any financial need at church and in our community. They were great givers to missions, giving for the welfare of people they would never meet until eternity. And they gave it with great joy. I never have known anyone who enjoyed life more than they did.
When Dad was in his last year in a nursing home, his care took all his money and pension except for a small allowance. He was always trying to give it away. On his last birthday here, he received numerous gifts of cash amounting to a little over $200. He immediately made arrangements to send it to one of the many ministries he had supported over the years. I told him, “This is wonderful, Dad, but you know you don’t have to give it all.”
He looked at me with a grin and a sly wink, “Oh, honey – I have all I need. And, besides, I’m going to see Jesus soon, and I don’t want to show up with any spare nickels someone else needed rattling around in my pockets.” He was like the people of the early church and all those since them who grow to become like Jesus – he held his resources loosely in open hands. And God supplied all of his needs, including the need for joy, which is generally exceptionally elusive.
When I was a kid, I didn’t understand the Jesus principle that there is more happiness in giving than receiving. As Christmas approached, I loved the arrival of the Sears catalog. I gleefully circled the things I hoped to receive. But as I grew, surrounded by people who lived and valued generosity like Jesus, I began to value that myself. Giving from a place of joy is so radically wonderful! I know He will supply my needs. There’s more happiness in giving it away.
- Where are you on the giving-generosity scale? The Me-Jesus continuum? Go to the Joy!