In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35
“What makes the Dead Sea dead? Because it is all the time receiving, never giving out anything. Why is it that many Christians are cold? Because they are all the time receiving, never giving out anything.”
D.L. Moody (1837-1899) in Anecdotes & Illustrations of D.L Moody related by Him in His Revival Work (Washington D.C.: McClure & Rhodes, 1878) 79.
Paul ministered from about 52-54 A.D. in Ephesus. Today’s Scripture recounts the famous last words of his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders before leaving. He reminded everyone that Jesus prioritized giving over receiving.
Long after him Moody labored in Chicago and said many profound things in his revival notes. This statement is moving because of all that it reveals. Our “giving out” demonstrates the temperature of our faith.
What about you? If you are “all the time receiving” and not “giving out” generously, what might that say about your Christianity?
Here’s my advice, especially as we approach the season of Lent: Pray, map out a plan for growing in the grace of giving during Lent, and then work out your plan!