October 6

Acts 20:32-35 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

The Art of Giving

Ministering to others in need
Service is the work of the LORD. He came to serve not to be served.
As a believer we are to see the need and meet it for the glory of God. Service is not focus on the works but the heart of the person giving the service. Service us the motives behind the action. You heart has to be set on serving others as the LORD came to be served.

Labour to support others
Work. Work. Work to support others. This is the works after the heartbeat. There is going to be a labour and in labouring you are actually giving, time, money, effort or strength. While ministering is all heart, work is all bodily labour. Your good works in support of other people is the core of this... you can't just love your neighbor without even doing anything for them. Your love has to be expressed in works.

Blessed to Give
This is a remembrace of Jesus teaching. Now the focus of this is the mind. Understanding the Word of God gives light to everything we do. And God has told us that whatever we give- service or sacrifice, work... makes us blessed. This is for the radicals... to give is not a loss but it is actually a gain in the sight of God but not everyone accepts that kind of mindset. Jesus is a clear definition of 'it is more blesses to give than to receive'... He has given us His life and so He has every right to say it... though at that moment He was still alive, He made sure He acts on what He has teaches us... He gave up His life but He gained a abundant life being on the throne.

So, live like Jesus. Love like Jesus and give like Jesus.

To God be the glory!