Often in life, we may conceptualize someone as being a “giver or a taker.” When we consider that phrase looking at others, it may be easy to determine which they would be by their values and actions. Bible verses also help us to figure out the answer to this contemplation: “Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20/NIV); “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart” (Proverbs 27:19/NIV). Fruit represents qualities that people may have: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. When reviewing someone’s life, by their actions and what they did, perhaps this will also help us decide about them.
“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/NIV
We observe people around us in life who have been blessed with an abundance of things of great value and do not appear to have significant needs. Likewise, also we have people around us in life with many needs who are disadvantaged in some way and have important needs. If someone has the quality of being a “giver,” I anticipate they will be looking for people around them with disadvantaged needs and will seek to put their fruit-like qualities into action and help them. Jesus Christ commanded us to “love one another,” and helping others would demonstrate putting love into action.
The Apostle Paul informs us that giving to others is a greater blessing than receiving in consideration of the focal passage. As Paul is speaking to the elders of the church of Ephesus (Acts chapter 20), he lets them know that he was not a jealous person and was someone who took care of himself and his companions. He informs the elders by his hard work; he sought to help the weak, which is consistent with the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. These are important thoughts for us to consider!
Paul tells us he served the Lord with great humility and tears amid severe scrutiny by his adversaries (Acts 20:19). He also informs us his goal was to finish the race and complete the tasks the Lord gave him to do (Acts 20:24). I believe in serving with great humility while seeking to complete the work the Lord has given us to do; we will be “givers!” As I move forward in life, seeking to help those in need, I know I will be a giver, and according to Jesus Christ, I will be blessed. Amen!
Self-reflection consideration: Do my actions reflect that I am a giver and take care of others like Jesus Christ?
Many blessings to you!
A Faithful Sower 