There’s a familiar phrase — a Bible verse that lots of people recognize. It’s a quote from Jesus that gives us a great life principle:

… remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35 (NIV)

This life principle has been researched and proven to be true. People who regularly and generously give are happier, healthier and less stressed. Sincere givers learn the joy of being a “channel of blessings” rather than simply a “consumer of blessings.” They enjoy the process of passing on resources that help and encourage others. Their pleasure is found in “giving” more than in “getting.”

Giving is one of the keys to a refeshed life. In-flow without out-flow invites stagnation and “disease.” Take a look at a pond that gathers water without releasing it. All kinds of ugly things — seen and unseen — breed there.

When you stop giving to God and others, your life becomes stale and your heart incrementally shrinks. Ugly consequences show up in the souls of people who are stingy, selfish and miserly.

If you want the best life possible, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is to be a giver. You must decide and determine that nothing, absolutely nothing, is going to stop you from giving. At the core of your being you must believe the words of Jesus — “It’s more blessed to give than to receive!”

The sad fact is, we live in a world of withholders. Marriages and friendships are damaged by emotional withholders. Churches, ministries and missions often struggle in fulfilling their calling because too few folks contribute time, talents and treasures to their work. Productivity and signifcant advances in organizations and businesses are restricted because people don’t give their best efforts. Parsimony of spirit never leads to anything good. Generosity leads to great places!

Here are 6 great reasons to be generous:

• It helps us be like God. God is generous. When you’re generous, you’re imitating Him!

• It frees us from stress and tension. Holding tight to anything brings fatigue. Release brings rest.

• It attracts blessings. Another word for generous is “magnanimous.” The root word for “magnanimous” is “magnet.” When we give we attract blessings.

• It demonstrates maturity. Small people live to get. Big (mature) people live to give.

• It increases opportunities and influence. Greater opportunities come to people who invest of their resources in others. When your heart is generously invested in something, your influence grows.

• It reveals true faith and trust. When we give we’re saying, “God I trust you to take care of me!“

How about you? Are you on the path to a “more blessed” life? If not, get started today!

Pastor Dale

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