What is your favorite holiday? I love them all because I love to celebrate, but I have to say the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons stoke my fire. I am a natural giver. I love it. Jesus said “It is more blessed to give than to receive” and I can attest to the fact [Acts 20:25]. There is nothing more exciting to me that shopping for the perfect gift for someone then watching them open it or doing an act of service and seeing the surprised expression.
Jesus was and is a giver. He gave health [Matthew 8:13, Mark 5:24]. He gave life [John 11:25, John 11:43]. He gave basic needs [Matthew 14:15-21]. He gave peace [John 14:27]. He gave love [John 3:16]. He gave wisdom [James 1:5]. These are just a few of the many things Jesus gave to those He walked among and He continues to give to His followers today.
Why? Why would Jesus give and give and give? Because He gains great joy in providing for those He loves [Matthew 7:11]. He is blessed by blessing others. If we could grasp this concept and put it into practice, our lives would never be the same. Keep in mind tangible gifts are just one way of giving. You can also give acts of service, words of encouragement, quality time, and physical touch. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:8 “Freely you have received, freely give.” You are never more like Jesus than when you give freely to others. The great thing about the economy of God is when you try to bless others, you gain the blessing.
Nothing we are given it solely for us. Everything in the economy of God is increase. We are to take what we are given and use it to bless others just as Jesus did with the two fish and five loaves of bread [Matthew 14:15-21]. The young boy was given the lunch by his mother. He in turn gave his lunch to the disciples. They in turn gave the lunch to Jesus and then Jesus blessed it and gave it to over five thousand people. Whatever we give with a willing heart into the hands of the Lord will only bring increase. Lord, bless us and make us a blessing!