Day 309 - Acts Friday (Chapters 19-20)
“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 ESV)
Paul is teaching us a very important life lesson. There are two kinds of people in this world, givers and takers. Paul is encouraging followers of Jesus to be givers.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus amplifies this lesson by telling us that whenever we help someone in need, we are actually helping Him. Whom can you help today?
Jesus taught us to look at opportunities to help others as opportunities to obey the golden rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31 NIV)
An then He gives us the ultimate motivation: Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:36-40 ESV)
It truly is “more blessed to give than to receive.”
Heavenly Father, motivate me by the good news of what Jesus did for me on the cross to work hard for You and help others. Open my eyes for opportunities to help others in Your saving name today. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
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