Why Is It More Blessed to Give Than to Receive? The Meaning of Acts 20:35

The phrase ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, quoted by the Apostle Paul in Acts 20:35. This teaching emphasizes that the spiritual joy, divine approval, and eternal rewards that come from a generous and giving heart, modeled after God’s own generosity, far outweigh the temporary satisfaction of merely receiving.

The human heart naturally finds joy in what it receives—a thoughtful gift, a word of affirmation, or a moment of comfort. Yet, a divine teaching challenges this perspective with an eternal truth: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” These powerful words, attributed to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, are central to Christian living. They invite us into a counter-cultural understanding of God’s benevolent nature and His design for our lives.

This is not just a philosophical statement; it is a profound declaration from the Son of God that can reshape our priorities and transform our hearts. While you will not find these exact words in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, they hold a prominent place in scripture because the Apostle Paul recorded them. He shared this wisdom from Jesus in Acts 20:35, highlighting its foundational importance for all who follow Christ. Grasping the spiritual richness of this statement is essential for deepening one’s faith.

So, where exactly in the Bible do we find these life-changing words from Jesus? And why do their specific location and context matter for our understanding today? Let’s explore the origins of this blessed saying, delving into scripture to reveal its true meaning and how we, as believers, are called to embody this divine truth in every aspect of our lives.

Where did Jesus say it is more blessed to give than to receive?

The Apostle Paul’s Account in Acts 20:35

The well-known teaching, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” comes directly from the Lord Jesus Christ. Interestingly, this statement is not found in the four Gospels. Instead, it is preserved by the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts.

Paul shared this teaching during his farewell address to the elders of Ephesus. In his speech, he reminded them of his own hard work and urged them to support the weak by remembering the words of Jesus Himself. He declared, “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive'” (Acts 20:35, NASB).

As an apostle chosen by Christ, Paul faithfully preserved this divine teaching. This verse serves as a cornerstone of Christian generosity, revealing Jesus’ heart for selfless service and confirming the eternal value of giving.

A Truth Not Directly Recorded in the Gospels

Many believers wonder why this significant saying of Jesus does not appear in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Its absence from the Gospels, however, does not diminish its truth or divine origin. Instead, it highlights several important aspects of how God’s Word was recorded and preserved:

• The Gospels Are Not Exhaustive: The Gospel writers never intended to record every word or deed of Jesus. John himself affirmed this when he wrote, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).
• Oral Tradition in the Early Church: Before the Gospels were written, Jesus’ teachings were passed down verbally for many years. The apostles faithfully shared what they had learned from Him, and Paul’s quotation in Acts 20:35 is a powerful example of this vibrant oral tradition, showing how the early church cherished Jesus’ words.
• Guidance by the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help His disciples remember His teachings. He said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you” (John 14:26). Guided by the Spirit, Paul was able to recall and record this vital teaching from the Lord.
• Apostolic Authority: As an apostle, Paul received direct revelation from Jesus Christ, and his writings are divinely inspired. Because he taught with the Lord’s full authority, his record of Jesus’ words carries immense weight.

Ultimately, the truth that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” perfectly aligns with Jesus’ entire ministry. His life was the ultimate model of sacrificial giving. From His healing touch to His death on the cross, Jesus constantly gave of Himself—offering His time, His compassion, and finally, His own life. Whether recorded in the Gospels or in Acts, this teaching stands as a foundational principle of the Christian faith, beautifully revealing the heart of our giving God.

What is the Biblical Meaning of Being ‘Blessed’?

In the Christian faith, being “blessed” means something far deeper than material prosperity or good fortune. It is not simply about receiving good things, but about aligning our lives with God’s divine will and character. This true blessing is a spiritual state—a favor from God that touches every aspect of our being, transforming our perspective and purpose.

Reflecting the Generous Heart of God the Father

At its core, being blessed means reflecting the very nature of God. Our Heavenly Father is the ultimate Giver, infinitely generous in pouring out His love and provision upon His creation. We see this profound truth most clearly demonstrated in Jesus Christ.

• God’s Ultimate Gift: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This single verse perfectly encapsulates God’s giving heart.
• Source of All Good: Every good and perfect gift comes from God above (James 1:17), the ultimate source of all blessings in our lives.
• Called to Emulate: As His children, we are called to imitate His generosity. When we give, we mirror His character. This act is a powerful demonstration of our faith, showing both our reliance on Him and our desire to honor Him.

Therefore, to be blessed is to be empowered to give. We receive from God so that we may, in turn, bless others, creating a beautiful cycle of divine generosity that flows through us.

The Spiritual Joy of Sacrificial Giving

The blessing found in giving often manifests as a profound spiritual joy that transcends temporary happiness. It is a deep, abiding contentment that comes from obeying Christ and living out His teachings.

• A Cheerful Heart: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The immense spiritual reward comes from giving with a willing and joyful heart, not from a sense of grudging duty.
• Receiving in Return: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38). This promise highlights not only God’s abundant provision but also the spiritual benefits of a generous life.
• Beyond Material Gains: The joy of sacrificial giving is not found in material return. It is found in the peace of God, a strengthened relationship with Him, and the satisfaction of participating in His redemptive work on earth. This spiritual contentment is the true blessing.

Storing Up Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)

The most significant aspect of being blessed in giving is its eternal implication. Jesus taught us to shift our focus from temporary earthly gains to eternal heavenly rewards, reminding us that this blessing impacts not just today but all of eternity.

• Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasures: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). Jesus makes a clear distinction: earthly possessions are fleeting and vulnerable.
• Where Our Heart Resides: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). This verse reveals a fundamental truth: our giving habits show where our heart’s true desires lie. By investing in God’s kingdom, our hearts become more aligned with heaven.
• Eternal Reward: Giving generously for the sake of the Gospel is how we store up these incorruptible treasures. They represent eternal rewards—a deeper relationship with God and a lasting legacy in His kingdom—that far surpass any earthly wealth.

How Does Giving Bless Us More Than Receiving?

The Blessing of Obedience to Christ’s Teaching

Giving from a sincere heart is an act of profound obedience, reflecting our love for God and our trust in His perfect will. This aligns with Christ’s own commands to love one another (John 13:34) and serve others (Mark 10:45).

When we choose to give, we align ourselves with the heart of our Savior. This obedience brings deep spiritual blessings that often surpass any worldly gain. As James 1:25 reminds us, “the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

The blessings of obedience include:

• Closeness to God: Obedience draws us nearer to the Lord, strengthening our relationship with Him.
• Inner Peace: Following Christ’s commands brings a peace that the world cannot offer (John 14:27).
• Spiritual Growth: Each act of giving stretches our faith and helps us grow in Christ-likeness.
• God’s Favor: God’s precious favor, while not always material, rests on those who honor Him through their actions.

Therefore, giving is more than a good deed. It is a tangible expression of our faith and devotion to Jesus Christ.

Freedom from the Bondage of Materialism

Our world often suggests that happiness comes from acquiring more, but this pursuit can lead to deep dissatisfaction and a powerful bondage to material possessions. Jesus warned against this very trap, saying, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).

Giving actively breaks this hold by teaching us to hold earthly things loosely. We learn our true worth is found not in what we own, but in our identity as children of God. This realization brings immense relief, liberating our hearts from worry and greed.

Consider these aspects of freedom gained through giving:

• Reduced Anxiety: With fewer attachments, we have less fear of loss because our security rests in God, not possessions.
• Increased Contentment: By shifting our focus from what we lack, giving helps us appreciate what we already have.
• Changed Perspective: We begin to see resources not as items for personal accumulation, but as tools for God’s glory.
• True Riches: Investing in eternal things yields lasting rewards that are far more valuable than temporary wealth (Luke 12:33-34).

Giving allows us to experience the liberating truth that God provides for all our needs through His grace. This freedom is a true and profound blessing.

Participating in God’s Work on Earth

When we give, we do more than just help individuals; we become active participants in God’s grand plan. It is a profound privilege to join Him in building His kingdom on earth. Our giving supports missions, spreads the Gospel, cares for the vulnerable, and extends the love of Jesus to those who need it most.

The Apostle Paul highlighted this beautiful partnership in 2 Corinthians 9:7, writing, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Our cheerful giving fuels ministries worldwide and enables good works that reflect Christ’s compassion.

This participation offers unique blessings:

• Eternal Impact: By helping bring souls to Christ, our contributions have everlasting significance.
• Shared Joy: We share in the joy of those blessed by our gifts and even in the joy of God Himself.
• Purpose and Meaning: Giving infuses our lives with divine purpose, connecting us to something far greater than ourselves.
• God’s Provision for His Work: God accomplishes His purposes through us, often using our own hands and resources to do His work.

Indeed, there is no greater blessing than knowing we are used by God. Our gifts, however small, play a vital role in advancing the mission of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to redeem and restore the world.

How Can We Apply This Truth in Our Daily Lives?

Giving of Our Time and Talents

God has graciously bestowed upon each of us unique gifts and precious time. Applying the truth that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” means dedicating these divine endowments to His service and the benefit of others. This is not merely an act of charity but an act of worship, reflecting the very heart of Jesus Christ, who came “not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45).

When we offer our time, we give a part of our very lives. Consider volunteering at your church or in your community. You might share your musical abilities, help organize events, or use your professional skills to aid a ministry in need. Each act, whether big or small, glorifies God, spreads His love, and builds up the body of Christ.

The apostle Peter encourages us to use our abilities for God’s glory, writing, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). This service brings deep spiritual satisfaction, fosters a sense of purpose, and deepens our walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In doing so, we become instruments of His peace and provision in the world.

Giving of Our Financial Resources Cheerfully

Financial giving is a profound expression of our faith and a tangible way to live out the truth of Acts 20:35. Our Lord desires a willing heart, as the Bible clearly states: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). This generosity flows from a heart transformed by Christ, not from a sense of obligation.

When we give cheerfully, we acknowledge God as the ultimate provider and demonstrate our trust in Him. Our financial gifts support the spread of the Gospel by funding missionaries and aiding the poor and vulnerable. Participating in God’s work this way is a great privilege that aligns our hearts with His eternal purposes.

While many Christians practice tithing by giving ten percent of their income to the Lord’s work, and others contribute offerings beyond this, the specific amount is secondary to the spirit of giving. True blessing comes from a heart eager to advance God’s kingdom. As we sow financially, we reap spiritual rewards, storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

Giving Forgiveness and Grace to Others

Perhaps one of the most challenging yet profoundly blessed forms of giving is extending forgiveness and grace. This spiritual giving mirrors the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered His life on the cross to grant us forgiveness for our sins (Ephesians 1:7). Because He freely offers this grace, we are called to do the same.

Holding onto bitterness or resentment burdens our souls and can hinder our relationship with God. When we choose to forgive, however, we release ourselves from this heavy weight. By offering freedom to those who have wronged us, we receive incredible spiritual peace and healing in our own hearts.

Jesus Himself taught the importance of forgiveness, saying, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). While giving forgiveness is not always easy and often requires strength from the Holy Spirit, it always leads to a greater blessing. It deepens our understanding of God’s limitless compassion and allows us to truly reflect the love of Christ in our daily interactions.

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