Day 23 — More Blessed to Give

“In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

— Acts 20:35 (BSB)

One day, Jesus sat near the offering boxes in the temple, watching people put in their gifts. Rich people came by and dropped in large amounts of money. It probably made a lot of noise as the coins clattered in!

Then a poor widow came along. She put in two tiny copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Jesus called His disciples over and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury.” How could that be? Jesus explained: the rich people gave out of their extra money. They still had plenty left over. But she gave “all she had to live on” (Mark 12:41–44).

To God, the size of the gift isn’t what matters most. What matters is the heart behind it.

In today’s verse, Paul reminds us of something Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” That sounds backward, doesn’t it? Most of us think receiving is the best part! Christmas morning, birthday presents, getting the thing you wanted.

But Jesus says there’s even more joy in giving. Have you ever made a present for someone and couldn’t wait to see their face when they opened it? That feeling is what Jesus is talking about.

When we give, we become more like God. God is the greatest giver of all. He gave us life, the world, every good thing we have, and His own Son. When we give, we reflect His heart.

You might think, I’m just a kid. I don’t have much to give. But you have more than you think! You can give:

• Money. Even a little bit from your allowance or birthday money.
• Time. Helping a neighbor, visiting a grandparent, playing with a younger kid.
• Things. Toys or clothes you don’t use anymore, given to someone who needs them.
• Talents. Drawing a card, baking cookies, teaching someone a skill.

Remember the widow. Small gifts given with a big heart are huge to God.

Think about it: Why do you think Jesus said it’s more blessed to give than to receive? Have you ever experienced that?

Try this: Give something away today: some money, a toy, your time or a talent. Notice how it feels.

Dear God, You are the greatest giver. Thank You for giving me so much, especially Jesus. Make me a generous person who loves to give, not just to receive. Help me give with a joyful heart, like the widow with her two coins. In Jesus’ name, Amen.