Why It’s Better to Give than Receive

Principle 9: Help others as much as you possibly can.

In Acts 20:35, the apostle Paul is basically saying, “If you’re having a bad day, the best thing you can do is get your mind off yourself and help someone else.” It’s not our natural inclination, and when we’re hurting, tired, discouraged or disappointed, we don’t really feel like making an effort to help someone else. But this biblical principle truly is a major key to having joy in your life.

Joyce shares this about Acts 20:35…

“Helping others isn’t something you may feel like doing—it requires a decision, especially when you’re concerned about a problem or just feeling down. But making a choice to be good to others has the power to help you and them. It’s a spiritual principle that ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’

“In this verse, God is saying when we make others our priority, then everything else will fall into place…and we will end up being happier than we’ve ever been!”

Matthew 6:33 also tells us this:

But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. — Matthew 6:33 (AMP)

Living God’s way—His way of doing and being right—is all about loving others. And when we follow His example, we can rest assured that God will take care of our every need. That frees us to focus on helping make someone else’s life better.

The healing journey is often difficult, and that’s why it’s even more important to act on this biblical principle. While you’re waiting for your breakthrough, make a determined decision to do whatever you can to help make someone else’s life better.

Here’s another teaching point from Joyce that can encourage you in this area:

“Are you going through a difficult time? Psalm 37:3 has the answer for every problem you will face:

Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness — Psalm 37:3 (AMP)

“The bottom line here is this: Trust God and do good! Because when you place your trust and hope in the Lord and commit yourself to helping others and taking care of their problems, you open the door for God to do incredible things in your own life.”

Now, you need to remember principle 8 as you step out to do good to others: Be led by the Holy Spirit at all times, in everything you do. Pray for God to give you direction in what you should do to reach out to people. It may be something simple, like giving an encouraging word to someone who seems troubled or down. Or it might be something that requires more time, energy or money, like helping to pay a utility bill or meet another urgent need.

Whatever God leads you to do, He will provide what you need to do it. And as you follow through, you’ll have such joy and refreshing peace in your soul!

Read Acts 20:35, Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 37:3 in several translations. As you do, pray about these questions:

• Who can I help today? How can I prepare myself to reach out and encourage someone or help meet a need in their life?
• What’s the best way to prioritize my time with God, making progress in my soul-healing journey, and focusing my time and energy to help others?
• Is there any area in my life where I’m not completely trusting God? How is it affecting my ability to do good and be unselfish or less self-centered?