In a selfish, self-centered world that is often more concerned about "getting" than "giving," it is probably good that we have a "holiday season" that helps us focus more on "giving" than "receiving." Biblically, I am strongly opposed to the celebration of "Christmas" as the birthday of Christ, and at times I even question whether or not a secular observance of this holiday is appropriate for Christians; but I do believe that being reminded of how good it is to give may be one positive thing that comes from this holiday.

Of course, unfortunately, this holiday that is suppose to focus on "good will" toward others has often promoted more of a "give me" philosophy than a "let me give" attitude, a fact that is easily proven by simply pointing to our children. Think about it: what keeps most kids tossing in their beds with excited anticipation on Christmas Eve? And why do they wake up so stinking early on Christmas morning? Is it because they can't wait to give away the gifts they've bought for others? Or is it because they can't wait to open the gifts that they have received? Are they more excited about giving gifts or getting gifts? We might like to think otherwise, especially about our own kids, but more often than not, honesty demands that we admit: it's really the receiving of gifts that keeps children excited about Christmas Day.

"Well, we sort of expect kids to act that way; after all, they're only children!" Yes, but we're not children! We're adults who have (supposedly) put off childish things. And yet we too, like children, are often more concerned about getting than giving; and that's just wrong at any time of year. We need to work harder at learning to give, and be much less concerned about what we "get."

"It Is More Blessed to Give"
The Bible teaches that there is – or at least can be – great joy in giving. It was, in fact, our Lord Himself who taught: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). In this statement, "more blessed" actually translates only one Greek word (makarion): a word meaning "happy" (cf. Matt. 5:3ff). Compare Paul's use of this word in a similar form when he taught that a widow "is happier if she remains as she is" – unmarried (1 Cor. 7:40). The point is that "blessed" means "happy," and "more blessed" means "happier." And so, we might just as easily capture the meaning of Jesus' words by translating His statement this way: "Happier is the one who gives than the one who receives."

This may seem like a strange concept to those who are infected by our selfish, self-centered society. But right thinking people (people who think like Jesus) will understand that it is better to be in the position of the giver than it is to be in the position of the receiver; that it is better to give gifts than to receive gifts.

The reason this is so is simply because, from the Bible's perspective, the one receiving is really the one who is in need, while the one who gives is the one who has an abundance. You see, the generosity prescribed in God's Word has not so much to do with giving gifts like we do during the holiday season: it has more to do with giving to those who are less fortunate than we are.
This is specifically true of the point Paul was making when he quoted Jesus as having said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." In this context (Acts 20:35), Paul is reminding the Ephesian elders that while he was with them, he "coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes," but instead he had provided his own needs and the needs of his those with him by working hard with his own hands (20:33-34). His whole point was aimed at encouraging these men that it is the Christian's duty to "help the weak," those who are unable to take care of themselves (20:35). It is in this context that he quotes the well known words of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (20:35). And so, the kind of gift giving that is really a joy or blessing to us is the generosity we share with those who are in need.

In a world that is often miserly and selfish, we need to learn the value of sharing with those less fortunate than ourselves. It is actually toward this end that we are taught to use our hands (or whatever tools we are blessed with) to engage in honorable and good work: that we "will have something to share with one who has need" (Eph. 4:28). Those who are "rich in this present world" are especially instructed to "do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share" (1 Tim. 6:17-18). As Christians, we are supposed to be, not only givers, but liberal givers! Having a giving spirit and being a giving person ought to be built into our character…it ought to be a part of who we are as servants of Christ.

And please understand that we really help ourselves when we help others. As the wise writer of Proverbs puts it: "He who is gracious to the poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed" (19:17). Of course, some people see this principle from a carnal perspective and turn it into a self-serving hope: they think that somehow, "If I help the poor by giving to them, God will pay me back by giving me more money." But this is not the way that God pays back those who are generous to the needy. Do you remember those who are "rich in this present world" that we referred to earlier? Indeed, they were told to "do good, to be rich in good works," and "to be generous and ready to share," but they were told to do this, because in so doing, they would be "storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed" (1 Tim. 6:18). The point is that the real benefit that comes from giving and sharing with those in need comes not in this life, but in the life to come. Carnal people won't understand, but spiritual people will get it and act on it: they will see the real blessing that comes to those who give.

Make the Most of This Season
And so, at this time of year when "gift-giving" is somewhat in vogue, and "gift-getting" seems even better, don't let yourself get caught up in the wrong way of thinking. Use this time to learn about the joy of giving. Teach yourself and teach your children that what you get is not nearly as important as what you give. And let that lesson follow you throughout the year and into the years ahead. Don't just look out for yourself. Learn to look out for others! Learn to look out for the needy! Rejoice in the fact that you are in the position of the giver, and not in the position of the receiver! And then do what you can: give of your time, yourself, and your money, and meet those needs and experience the joy that comes from giving.

Rick has worked with the Paris Avenue church in Peoria, Illinois, for the past seven years, and is also currently now serving as one of its elders. You may contact him at 315 E. Almond Drive, Washington, IL 61571; Phone: 309-266-6588; e-mail: rcliggin@gmail.com.