Message from Scripture: 9/5/2020

Our message from Scripture today is Acts 20:35; “ 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.’”

This passage of Scripture is another beatitude Jesus gave, separate from those found in Matthew 5, and is often called the “forgotten” beatitude, which Paul reminded the elders in Ephesus about. It is relevant to us today, in a world where self is promoted and served. We should always be mindful of the blessings that come when we open our perspective, not only to consider the good that comes from receiving, but in giving.

We are blessed as individuals when we give. True joy comes in life from opening our hearts and sharing, looking and giving outwardly, that what God has given us can be shared with others who need what God has blessed us with as well. Paul reminds us, “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness” (2 Cor. 9:10).

We are blessed as a congregation when we give. How much do we limit fulfilling God’s will for us as His people when we fail to give? How much can we do if we as a congregation are willing to give liberally of ourselves? We should be like the churches of Macedonia, who Paul said gave beyond their means, begging for the opportunity to help others and share in the gospel. They could do this because, as he goes on to say, “They gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us” (2 Cor. 8:5).

Practicing the forgotten beatitude of our Lord can help us remember the blessings we have in Him, and by reaching out of ourselves to those around us, we bless ourselves, the kingdom, and open doors of opportunity for the lost. No wonder Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive. Let’s decide to start doing more for Him today. You will be walking in the steps of Christ. God bless.

Robert