So Blessed!

I recently had the opportunity to be one of five individuals to speak at a volunteer luncheon put on by our local hospital, to share what the experience of volunteering has meant to me. As I began my sharing -- being known as a preacher -- I shared a passage I felt related in a broader sense to not just the GIVING of money, but the GIVING of ourselves on behalf of others as well. As Paul was giving his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, he said. . .

"(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.'" ( Acts 20:35 ESV)

GIVING can take on many different forms: our time, money or other resources, counsel, encouragement, etc. Some have the means and the time to give, but begrudge being asked. Others find great joy in the GIVING in ways that may be simple, yet dynamically impact the lives of others.

"...MORE BLESSED TO GIVE than to receive." Have we all experienced that blessing in one form or another? Still, in the process we do receive much. We can receive great joy in knowing we have made a difference for another. The "Thank you" we hear gives us the satisfaction of knowing our service was appreciated. However, Jesus Himself declared that by GIVING and not expecting to receive back, we do have a reward from above. (note Matthew 6:6; 25:34-40)

Accepting the opportunities to connect with others to meet not only spiritual needs, but physical ones as well, is where the proverbial rubber meets the road in life. We may never really know the full impact we have made through some encounters, but often merely the gift of our presence -- especially during challenging times -- can be a powerful thing.

Someone has said, "Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful." [source: unknown] May we be like Jesus who "went about doing good" ( Acts 10:38) as we live selfless lives to the glory of God. Our GIVING in whatever manner it takes can become cause for "overflowing in many thanksgivings to God." ( 2 Corinthians 9:12) Making a compassionate human connection can potentially do more than merely meet a physical need as the heart may become more open to receiving the message of Jesus that relates to life beyond this realm.

Have a great day FEELING GOOD ABOUT DOING THE GOOD OF GOD FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS!
Carl

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