He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed – Proverbs 11:25b.
It is more blessed to give than to receive – Acts 20:35
These three biblical phrases are statements that contain an exhortation and a promise. I’m convinced that many, maybe most believers, have not grasped the depth of the meaning found within each statement. The exhortation is that we believers are to be givers. The promise is that we will be greatly rewarded as we embrace and practice these three statements.
A GENEROUS MAN WILL PROSPER!
We are called to generosity. This summons is not only for the rich or for the poor – it is for us all. This generosity includes everything that He has given to us . . . money and time. God has given us so much. We are to be conduits of his gifts, talent, time and monies – from Him, through us to others. Never stingy. Never miserly. Just as God has generously given to us, let’s pursue the gift of giving to others. You may be thinking, “I can’t afford to be generous.” In reality, the truth is that we cannot afford NOT to be generous.
HE WHO REFRESHES OTHERS WILL HIMSELF BE REFRESHED!
There’s a boomerang effect here – when you and I become refreshers and encouragers we in turn are refreshed and encouraged. What we give out will ultimately come back to us. The refresher will be refreshed. The encourager will be encouraged. This is very good news! Be assured that it will happen. God has promised it, so in His way and in His timing we will be refreshed.
IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE!
Let me state it again . . . It is more blessed to give than to receive. Here are a couple of translations of this same text:
Happiness lies more in giving than in receiving. (NEB)
There is a greater blessing in giving than in getting (BAS)
It makes one happier to give than to be given to (GSDP)
The point is clear. No, commentary needed here.
As I have grown in my walk with God, He has helped me to understand the reality of these texts . . . not just a mental assent but a genuine practice. My entire life I’ve never ask for money for myself, or sent out newsletters asking for donations for myself. For others, yes, but never myself. God has proven faithful time after time. Over the years, May and I have found this to be one of the happier discoveries in life. God has blessed us through our businesses and the generosity of others. We believe that the monies He has given to us are for us to steward; not spend on our own desires or interests.
In addition, as we have travelled and mentored and encouraged others, we ourselves have been encouraged. We are learning the reality of these Words from Jehovah Jireh. As we give, in fact the more we give, the more the joy has been multiplied over and over again.
Have you discovered these texts in your own life? As you do, you will revel in the provision of Jehovah Jireh – Our Provider. He promises it.
PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.