"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" (Acts 20:35, NKJV). The longer a person lives, the more one sees the truth in this principle from the Lord. Even Emerson said, "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."

However, it takes a good bit of living before a person reaches this conclusion.

Ask a group of children: would you rather give a gift or receive a gift? We all love to receive. We all love to get. But with the passing of years, we gain even more satisfaction in knowing the joy and blessing of giving to others.

In families, there are those who give and those who receive. In churches, as well, there are those who serve and those who wish to be served. There is a constant cycle of receiving and giving. But when it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing!

To the 12 apostles, Jesus described true greatness. "[W]hoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26-28).

Throughout life, there are times when we are on the receiving side; at other times, we are on the giving side. Both sides give a certain pleasure, but Jesus said true greatness comes through service and giving.

In becoming a Christian, did you receive teaching from someone who shared the gospel with you? Is it time for you to give (share) that saving message with others?

In growing as a Christian, have you received the teaching of the truth in a Bible class? Is it time for you to give by teaching in a Bible class?

Have you received benefits from elders, deacons, preachers, youth leaders, church workers and faithful servants of the Lord? Is it time for you to give such benefits as you have received?

Have you received comfort in sorrow, strength in weakness, benevolence in poverty, help in burdens, or encouragement in valleys? Is it time for you to give the same assistance?

The gospel song, "There Is a Sea," (by E. L. Jorgensen and L. K. Zahn) compares these principles of giving and receiving. The Sea of Galilee receives water from smaller streams but in return gives water to the Jordan Valley. The Dead Sea receives water from the Jordan River but does not give water to the region. Consequently, the Dead Sea is brine, waste, and like molten lead. The third verse asks, "Which shall it be for you and me, who God's good gifts obtain? Shall we accept for self alone or take to give again?" Indeed, "Which shall it be" for our lives? The Sea of Galilee or the Dead Sea?

Like Jesus, our example, let us all serve and give.