The Blessings of Giving

Written by JB & Shugie Collingsworth

How long has it been since you were reminded that it is "more blessed to give than to receive?" While it has a nice ring to it, most of us would prefer to be on the receiving end than on the giving end. But the statement is true, and the only way to discover the blessings of giving is to decide you are going to go beyond the expected or the deserved, and give according to God's instructions and His prompting in your life.

His Needs Her Needs

So often after a couple has been married for a while, and has encountered some of life's storms, one of them may say that their spouse no longer makes them happy. But, wait a minute; why do people expect their spouse to be responsible for keeping them happy? The couples who manage better over the long-haul do not expect their spouse to constantly serve and pamper them. Rather, they have learned the joy of serving and giving, and as a result, they are receiving the blessings!

What does God’s Word Say?
Romans 12:9-18 includes some practical instructions for married couples:
• Let love be without hypocrisy
• Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good
• Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
• Give preference to one another in love
• Serve the Lord
• Rejoice in hope
• Persevere in tribulation
• Be devoted to prayer
• Bless those who persecute you
• Rejoice and weep together
• Be like-minded
• Do not be haughty or think too highly of yourself
• Never pay back evil with evil
• Do your best to be at peace with others

I Peter 3:1-9 also gives clear instructions, including these:
• Be harmonious
• Be sympathetic
• Be kindhearted
• Be humble in spirit
• Don't return evil for evil
• Don't return insult for insult
• Give a blessing and you will inherit a blessing

Practice, Practice, Practice
These are all pro-active steps - choices that can be made to make a marriage stronger. The question is, “Can you manage to do these things?” Probably not; well at least not by your own strength. But, if you focus on God and ask Him to control your heart, emotions, and attitudes, you will find yourself choosing the right actions and reactions because of His strength flowing through you. It takes practice, focus, and determination, but everybody benefits from your good choices.

God’s Promises Fulfilled
God calls us to be obedient and that is definitely our choice and evidence of our trust in Him. But don't forget, He also promises us a multitude of blessings as we are faithful. He is the ultimate promise keeper!

"On the day I called, You answered me; You increased strength within me,"
(Psalm 138:3, HCSB).

"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He won't leave you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the Lord's house is finished,"
(I Chronicles 28:20, HCSB).

"...keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,'"
(Acts 20:35, HCSB).

Trust Jesus. Ask Him to help you be willing to give, and then be prepared to receive His rich blessings!

Related Articles: