“In all things I 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 to receive.’”
Acts 20:35

It is a proud moment for a parent when their child is faced with two choices and they choose the better one. How happy we are to see them choose a carrot over junk food or getting up earlier instead of sleeping in all day. These choices are signs of maturity. They realize one is more blessed than the other and have chosen accordingly.

Our Lord has lifted up giving and receiving and told us which one is more blessed—giving. How are we to understand these two options? I. Howard Marshall states it well when he says, “it is better for a person who can do so to give to help others rather than to amass further wealth for himself.”¹ Gathering wealth and things for yourself is not necessarily a bad thing, but better than merely collecting for yourself is giving for the sake of others.

As we approach Christmas this truth is a great reminder for us to be conscious givers. Surely our heavenly Father is pleased when giving is the attitude of our heart. And surely our Father is pleased when we instill this truth within our children at home. Let’s be givers. Let’s train our kids to be givers. Instead of what do you want for Christmas, let’s first ask them what they want to give to someone else for Christmas. Let’s reflect the generous nature of our Savior this Christmas and beyond.