The Blessed Giver

Ah, Christmas time! A time for family, friends, fellowship and fun. Oh yeah, and presents. Who doesn't like to get gifts? Most people also like to give gifts, but who is more blessed? A receiver may say "I am blessed because I received something I didn't have". A giver may say "I am blessed because I met someone's need or want". Both are right; the giver and receiver of a gift are blessed, but who is more blessed?

In Acts 20:35 Jesus said that it is "more blessed to give than to receive". Why would that be true? I would have to answer that in order to give you must have, and in order to receive you must need.

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:31 that God the Father is blessed forever more. Is there a reason that God is blessed forever more? Yes, because God the Father is the giver that can never be 'out-given'.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jesus Christ was a gift from the Father to a lost and dying world. He gave us the free gift of salvation in His only begotten Son. It was a gift we couldn't earn for ourselves and one that we desperately needed.

Acts 3:26 says that "God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." There is no way we could ever out give God, therefore God is 'blessed forevermore'.

We may get a blessing by receiving a need or want this Christmas or we may be a blessing by giving to others, but we must be careful to give God the glory for His wonderful gift of salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be God for evermore!