Perhaps one of the greatest truths in the Bible in terms of revealing God’s nature and therefore, by extension, governing the DNA of all reality is this: “…the words the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35b NIV)
The word translated “blessed” could justifiably be translated happy, but it goes far deeper than the irregular condition that word usually implies.
As one biblical scholar points out, it refers to a joy which is serene, untouchable, self-contained, completely independent of all the chances and changes of life. It is a joy that transcends sorrow and loss, pain and grief. It shines through tears and nothing in life or death can take it away. It is the kind of joy Jesus referred to when he said, “no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22).
Now the reason for its constancy is quite obvious: it is rooted in giving not receiving.
Receiving is outside of our control — whatever the gift may be, something or someone needs to give it to us. Sometimes we get and sometimes we don’t so our experience of such happiness goes up and down accordingly.
But whether or not we give is always within our control. We can be constantly giving to God — worship, praise, thanksgiving. And we can be constantly giving to others — wholesome thoughts about them, prayers, and inner affirmations that surround them in the presence and love of God. These things can be done day and night regardless of our circumstances.
And because the God of this universe is like that, there is no greater joy to be seen in all reality than in his heart because there is no being that comes anywhere near being as totally, constantly, and permanently self-giving as he is. He is the paradigm of self-giving blessedness.
And here’s what so remarkable: we have this same joy at our fingertips. It is as close to us as giving God thanks and praise and as close as the next affirming thought, prayer, or something we can do to help someone else.
