How many times did you hear as a child, “It’s better to give than to receive”? Perhaps from a parent or grandparent or favorite aunt or uncle. Usually, it preceded trips to the shopping mall to buy Christmas or birthday presents.
As a child, it can be challenging to resist the desire to want toys for ourselves. Even as adults, we can struggle with the temptation to seek our own interests over those people around us.
An Unexpected Gift
As Christians, we might encounter challenges in contributing gifts to support the advancement of God’s Kingdom. How much should I give? What if I can’t pay the rent? Or maybe we are more than happy to give, only to find ourselves tempted to become prideful in our giving.
I am a very black-and-white thinker. As such, when I became a Christian as an adult, I didn’t struggle too much with the concept of giving. To me, it made sense and God commanded it. That was enough. However, one morning I was deeply moved by the unexpected gift described in 2 Corinthians 9:10-14.
In this passage, Paul is speaking of gifts given to those less fortunate, whereby the gifts did more than simply provide for their needs. They prompted a gift to be offered up in return – a gift that far outweighs what they received. Paul writes,
“They [the recipients] will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.”
The Needy will Pray – For Me?
It never occurred to me that those whom I viewed as being in real need would turn around and pray for me. Don’t I already have everything I need? So much so that I can share some of it with others?
But that’s where they are so rich and I am so poor. Those who must depend on God for even their next meal recognize the grace, faithfulness, and compassion of God in ways we never will. Day-by-day and moment-by-moment. It’s a humbling thought when you consider that from such grateful hearts, those who have so little offer up prayers for those who have so much.
Why Unexpected Gifts are the Best?
Unexpected gifts hold unparalleled value. While our gifts to those in need are significant, they are temporary. However, what they give us in return – sincere prayers of “deep affection” – are gifts that no amount of money can buy. What a glorious God we have! Only in God’s economy, can the gifts we give come back to bless us in ways that last for eternity.
“I am well supplied, having received … the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18)
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author, and speaker with a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is the author of several books and Bible studies, including WORTHY OF LOVE, TAMAR, HAGAR, LEGION, and RAHAB.
What a “window-opening” thought that God gave you re: others giving back who can offer us much more. This has really opened up a window of thought to me re: how others have given back to me. (The neighbor who came to the door of my home to bless me.) Thank you, Shadia.
Blessings,
Carolyn
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! God’s Word has so many wonderful life lessons, doesn’t it? 😁
What a wonderful way of thinking of the concept of giving–incentive for us to give more. Even giving the gifts of time and attention cause the needy to bless the givers. I experienced this when working for a Crisis Care Society. And those who at the present time don’t seem to be thankful may later, once their major problems are further behind them.
Hi Pearl. I love your added insight on the fact that those who are ministered who don’t seem grateful may come to be thankful later on. We never know the impact we are having on others. Thank you for sharing your comments!