God is the biggest giver in the Bible. His gift to us is the gift of salvation. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
The Bible clearly defines who God wants us to be—a giver. It is not only pleasing to God to give and serve, but it is also the Christian’s job description and a way to endless joy. In Acts 20:35, the apostle Paul writes, “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.’”
Proverbs 11:24 says, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” Giving and sacrifice bring us happiness. I’ve often used this simple acronym that conveys a profound truth. Joy is:
J Jesus
O Others
Y Yourself
In Matthew 16:24, Jesus calls us to follow him and emulate his life: “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
This command contradicts the world’s question: “But what’s in it for me?” The world teaches us that using people for our benefit is the better part of wisdom. Jealousy and selfishness are some of humanity’s earliest and longest-lasting traits. Cain’s enviousness led to his brother’s death. Resentment, enviousness, and jealousy erode our joy and drive us away from our heavenly Father. “Why is God giving someone else what I’ve worked so hard for—particularly to ________?” You can fill in the blanks.
Do you check the side effects after your doctor prescribes a new drug? Now consider how we self-dose with jealousy and resentment. What would you expect to see listed as some of the serious side effects? Stress, increased resentment, destructive and harmful behavior, weakened immune system, severe mental and physical health disorders, and the worst side effects—separation and alienation from God.
When Jesus said, “He who shared my bread has turned against me” (John 13:18), he was echoing Psalm 41:9, “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” Jesus, of course, was referring to Judas—Judas who had walked and ministered with him daily for several years, Judas who had sat by him and eaten many meals with him, Judas who was a close and (supposedly) trusted friend. No doubt about it, Jesus was deeply hurt by someone close to him.
We’ll never know precisely why Judas betrayed Jesus. The best we can do is to surmise his motives. Jesus knew that Judas would betray him, yet he didn’t treat him any differently than the other disciples. This graciousness alone makes Jesus’ extraordinary kindness toward Judas more profound. Jesus loved Judas. He didn’t ostracize, put him down, or badmouth him to anyone who would listen.
No. There was no hurt pride, stubbornness, or mean-spiritedness in Jesus’ actions—just humility and unconditional love.
If we follow Jesus, we pick up our cross daily and can expect to encounter Judas in our midst. Unfortunately, some may experience more than one Judas in their lifetimes. Do you find yourself walking with a “Judas”? What now?
Though it may be difficult, Jesus tells us clearly: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat [hurt] you” (Luke 6:28).
These are not just nice words to help us earn points to heaven. They’re healing words for our sanity, health, and peace. Love has an unbelievable restorative power—giving it and, if we’re fortunate enough, receiving it. It is one of the greatest gifts God has given to us, and it’s free!
So let’s stay away from jealousy, anger, and resentment—they’re destructive addictions. Instead, as Jesus would have us do, let us keep loving and giving. When we do this, we’ll find that we become more lighthearted and fit for the purpose for which God has created us. What we believe inwardly should be reflected outwardly in how we treat others and how joy-filled we are.
Ultimately, the tremendous benefits of giving are ours: joy, positivity, mental and spiritual health, purpose, lightheartedness, and contentment.
And, above all, God blesses us.
- Giver or Taker: Which one are you? - April 5, 2025
- Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging with Chris and Julie Bennett - March 28, 2025
- The Walk Podcast with John I. Snyder: Ed Ewart - March 15, 2025
