Christian Giving

GOLDEN TEXT: “I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of our Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”—Acts 20:35

I CORINTHIANS 16:1,2; II CORINTHIANS 8:1-9

NEITHER Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, in their accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus, quote him as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” That Jesus did make such a statement, however, is certain, else the Apostle Paul would not have credited it to him, as he did in closing his discourse to the elders at Ephesus, as we read in our Golden Text. We do not know the circumstances under which Jesus made this statement, but the association in which Paul uses it indicates that it was not intended to be a solicitation for money, as it is so frequently used today.

Fundamentally, both the teachings of Jesus and his example of self-sacrifice highlight the principle of giving as the way of the Christian life. Indeed, this great lesson of the Gospel begins with the example set before us by our Heavenly Father, who so loved the world that he gave his beloved Son to be our Redeemer and Savior. It was this example of giving that was followed by Jesus, who gave his life that the church and the world might live.

Jesus said, “My flesh … I give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51) This giving of his flesh was not a momentary sacrifice, although it was consummated in the cruel agony of the cross. But for three and one-half years previous to this he had constantly given of his time and strength in teaching the multitudes, and his disciples. Besides, virtue had gone out of him to heal the sick. His was a daily laying down and giving up of life.

But during that three and one-half years of weary yet happy giving, Jesus received some things which he greatly appreciate d. Among these blessings were the love and affection of the little family in Bethany—Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. His heart was filled with gratitude when he was anointed with the precious ointment. This was a blessed moment in his life of sacrifice. And, of course, he was always cognizant of his Heavenly Father’s watchcare and support. These he received with thankfulness.

But withal, there was that constant blessedness which was even more meaningful to him, that joy which he experienced in giving his life, his all, that a sin-cursed and dying race might be reconciled to God and have an opportunity to enjoy everlasting life. We are inclined to think that it was this large aspect of giving that Jesus had in mind when, speaking from the depths of his heart’s rejoicing, he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

We reach this conclusion because it is evidently with thoughts of this nature in mind that Paul quotes these words of Jesus. He was speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus. It was a farewell message to these brethren in which Paul admonishes them, and assures them of his continued love. At the same time, he let them know that they would see his face no more, that he was going to Jerusalem with the certain knowledge that imprisonment and perhaps death awaited him.

That this would be the last time he spoke to these elders was all the more reason Paul desired that they take heed to what he said. To this end he wanted them to be assured that his interest in them was not a selfish one, the proof being that he had not only served them in spiritual matters, but made provision for his own temporal needs and the needs of those who labored with him, by working with his own hands.

In doing this he also showed them a true example of unselfishness, and of genuine Christian giving. By his example and teachings he had pointed the way for them, that they might also be on the alert to support the weak, and by giving their all, as he was doing, might experience the truthfulness of Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In going to Jerusalem where he was imprisoned and later taken to Rome and finally executed, Paul continued to give his all, even as Jesus did.

Everything which a Christian possesses is dedicated to the Lord—time, money, talents, and strength, all of which are to be used as God indicates to be his will. As the other portions of our lesson indicate, Christians have a responsibility toward their needy brethren. Paul commended the Corinthian brethren for their liberality in this connection, and we may be sure that the Lord will be pleased to see a similar display of love for the brethren on the part of his people at the present time.

QUESTIONS

What is the greatest of all examples of giving?

How much did Jesus give?

What is the context in which our Golden Text is found?

Do Christians have any responsibility toward the temporal needs of their brethren?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |