Daily Devotionals

More Blessed to Give

Posted in Serving/Missions

Scripture: “In all things I [Paul] have shown you that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus how He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than receive.’ And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.” – Acts 20:35-36

 

Since the time I worked at Eastminster’s Christian Life Center, I had heard of Transitions and knew of it, in general, as a homeless center. However, I did not know its location, the fullness of its services, or the richness of blessings felt by those who serve there. 

 

In the last couple of years, several people have asked me if I could join them at Transitions to serve a meal. I always had what I thought was a good excuse to not go serve, even though I willingly had dropped off food and different items to be delivered to Transitions. This past Christmas Eve was a different story. I not only listened to a good friend’s invitation and God’s “tug,” but also I decided to act on it. I think we all may know that feeling of God’s tugging at our hearts and minds to do something.  

 

My friend told me that his wife and he were going to go to Transitions on Christmas day to serve lunch to the homeless, and invited me to come along. Thankfully, I spent the best one-and-a-half hours with wonderful people who gathered to serve a delicious Christmas meal to about 150 people in need. These people were not only glad to be there, but also very appreciative of all who were serving them. 

 

The funny thing is I recognized that we were all being served that day– not just the homeless. I truly believe in what Acts 20:35 says in that it is “more blessed to give than receive.” But that day in Transitions, I felt that I was not the one giving, but instead I was one who was receiving the blessing. 

 

Christmas will never be the same for me. I am thankful to my friend, all the people who helped and served at Transitions, the residents, and Allison McGowan and her team who provide such a wonderful ministry to our fine city, Columbia. 

 

If you have the chance to go serve this year, I hope and pray you do. But be ready to receive more blessings than any amount you can give!

 

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed on us. Help us to remember that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive. Prepare us for everything you have in store for us, as you are in control. We are grateful and thankful for you! Amen.

 

Submitted by Ree Hart