Good to Give

Good to Give

Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone (V.14).

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

Reading

It was a boring week. I had been feeling fed up and unable to concentrate. But I couldn’t figure out why.

Near the end of the week, I found out that an aunt was suffering from kidney failure. I knew I had to visit her—but to be honest, I didn’t really want to. Still, I made my way to her place, where we had something to eat, chatted and prayed together. An hour later, I left her home feeling upbeat for the first time in days. Focusing on someone else rather than myself had really improved my mood.

Researchers have found that giving can make us feel satisfied. When we see we’ve made others happy, it makes us happy too. Some people believe we’re actually wired to be generous—that’s how we’re meant to live!

Maybe that’s why Paul, when encouraging the church in Thessalonica to look after each other, told them to “help the weak” (1 THESS. 5:14). Earlier, he had also quoted Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (ACTS 20:35). This isn’t just about money—it’s about giving anything and everything we are and have. There are no limits to the ways we can be generous!

When we give, we get a glimpse into how God feels. We understand why He’s so pleased to give us His love, and we share in the satisfaction of making others happy. I think I’ll be visiting my aunt again soon.

To Pray About…

Father, You have made me to give to others just as You have given to me. Teach me to give so that I can better show Your character and be more like You today.

THE GIVER IS OFTEN THE ONE WHO RECEIVES THE MOST!

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries