Happiness Reflection Guide – Octoer 7, 2019

Monday

Read: Acts 20:35

“³⁵ In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (NIV Acts 20:35)

Study: Have you ever considered the ability to give as a blessing? Most think negatively about giving, rather than trying to appreciate the joy of giving. Paul tells us that Jesus said, “It is better to give than it is to receive” (Acts 20:35). What do these words mean to you?  Do you work to receive, or do you work to give? An interesting question indeed. Paul said, “Let him who stole, steal no longer, but let him labor with his hands that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28). Have you considered your ability to earn an income as an opportunity to give to others? Our culture teaches us that if you want more—you must work more and earn more. While this is true literally, it defies the Biblical concept of contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). Worse yet is that even if you do not have the money on hand to buy it, you can charge it to a credit card. This not only makes it more difficult it for you in the long run, it renders you unable to give, except to cover your debts, for some time to come. What do you need to do to give with joy?