Pastor’s Column 8/30/2026

PASTOR’S COLUMN​

¹³⁵   “ I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember  the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ​​​​​       Acts 20:35, NLT

“The Rewards of Giving”

Giving of resources or self affects people differently. The difference in how a person feels about what they share or release in life is owed to many underlying factors. People who see giving as the extending of something for which they have exclusive rights or possession, will hardly ever be generous in giving. In ancient times such people were known to withhold their resources from others, even when it came to making those resources available for a fair price. We see this perception in Proverbs  11:26, where it states:  “People curse [despise] those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need.” (NLT). On the other hand, people who imbibe the spirit of generosity and gratitude for what they have willgive generously. Jesus said that a person is more blessed when they give sacrificially and with a pure heart. Observing people giving in the offering that was being received in the Temple, a widow who gave two small cooper coins, which were only valued at one-fourth of the smallest currency minted in Judea, had given the best she could. The woman had given “all” she had.  (Mark 12:21-44, NLT). True giving which blesses  us is when we release sacrificially the best we can. To be truly blessed does not always mean quantity, but; giving, which is motivated by love, unselfishness, and pure gratitude.  In leaving the elders he had been with for a year and a half, the Apostle Paul reminded them he had sacrificed his life and possessions on behalf of Christ’s mission and work. He did so not for attention, but out of devotion and sacrificial love for the people he was commissioned to serve. Paul shared with them the very words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than toreceive.” Where and when Jesus said this is not referenced, but His very life and sacrifice was the embodiment of those words.  When we live and give in gratitude to God, we are blessed!