SUNDAY November 16, 2025

The Blessings of Giving

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35

In Acts 20, Paul the Apostle addressed the Ephesian elders. One of his last exhortations to them was on the subject of giving. They had a duty to be generous and helpful in their support of the weak.

Paul gave the elders a testimony of his financial integrity. He labored with his own hands to provide for his own necessities. He also supported and helped others: “Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me” (Acts 20:34). He never asked for money. Paul left an example to follow. He also embraced what Jesus taught: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

When you give to the Lord or help someone who is in dire need, there is a joy and blessing in that. Paul gave a good perspective on the joy of giving, as he himself was the glad recipient of financial aid which was given to him by the generosity of the Philippian believers:

...you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God (Philippians 4:16-18).

What was Paul speaking about when he said, “abounds to your account?” God keeps an account of what we do. He evaluates our motives in giving. He judges our stewardship of all the resources He has given to us. This gives an eternal perspective on everything we do:

Matthew 6:20-21: “...lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven .... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Romans 14:12: ...each of us shall give account of himself to God.

What do you think is in your heavenly account?

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
~Hebrews 13:16~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!