Is it better when one person celebrates or two? Is it better when one is happy or two? Is it better when we rejoice alone or when we rejoice with our friends? I think we’d all agree that it’s better when more people are celebrating than when one person is. Having something good is good. But sharing something good with someone else, so that you have something good and they have something good, is better.

     I think Jesus understood this. Paul quotes Jesus in Acts 20:35, “You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  Why is it more blessed to give than to receive? You see this theme throughout Scripture. There are any number of passages we could turn to that talk about the importance of serving and blessing others, rather than just looking after our own needs. But how am I more blessed in giving than in receiving?

     I think it’s because when we give, two things are happening. First, the person we are serving is blessed. Something good has been done for them and they rejoice. Second, we rejoice because we see the good things done for them, the thanksgiving they have, and the joy of living like Christ. The act of giving itself causes joy in our hearts. So now, there are two people rejoicing, which is better than just one. Giving leads to more blessings than just receiving.

     This Sunday, you are going to be the cause of blessings. Parents are going to rejoice that someone is watching their kids. Visitors are going to feel blessed by the warm greeting you give them. Those taking communion will feel cared for as you make sure everyone has enough. You will be a reason someone else feels blessed. And I hope that this Sunday God gives you the eyes to see the blessing others feel because of you and that, in turn, you might be blessed along with them. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Don’t miss the blessing you are to others. Don’t miss the blessing that being a blessing can be! Thank you!