October 17

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)

The Bible is often controversial. Much of its message is contrary to what we perceive as normal behavior. Our ’must own it now’ society constantly touts the message that if you can only get this or that object, you will be happy. Today's scripture speaks of happiness as something completely opposite. It is more blessed - you will find more joy, if you give than when you're getting.

Some people are givers, others are takers – some are nourishing, others are corrosive. The ‘nourishing’ people are they who find joy in sharing with others. Clearly, many discovered that they do not become poorer, if giving to others in accordance to God’s will. The ‘corrosives’, however, are the ones who constantly insist on and with envy glance at a neighbor's property. The ‘corrosive’ can never be truly happy.

The ‘nourishing’ people have discovered that "…godliness with contentment is great gain.", as it reads in the Bible (1 Timothy 6:6 NIV).

Prayer

Lord, help me today to be happy with all the good that you have given me and help me to be generous to people around me.