It is More Blessed to Give Than Receive
By Ryan Dawson
One of the most memorable statements of Jesus is found in Acts 20:35: “You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NLT)
That runs against much of what our culture teaches. We often assume that happiness comes from getting more—more money, more possessions, more comfort, more opportunities. Yet Jesus points us in a different direction. He tells us that true blessing is found in generosity.
Most of us have experienced this. There is a unique joy that comes from helping someone in need, encouraging a struggling friend, serving behind the scenes, or giving sacrificially to bless another person. We discover that God's economy is different from the world's. When we freely give, we experience the joy of participating in God's heart for people.
This coming weekend, we have a wonderful opportunity to live out these words of Jesus together. Sequoia Community Church is partnering with churches across our city in The Big Give, a national movement of generosity where churches bless their communities by giving everything away for free.
How You Can Participate
Friday, June 5
We will be receiving donations at Ottawa Christian School from 4:30-7pm. You can also come and help sort the items so we are ready for Saturday morning.
Saturday, June 6
We will host a free community garage sale at Ottawa Christian School from 9-11am. Every item is given away at no cost as a practical expression of Christ's love for our neighbours. There are also opportunities to serve between 7:30am-12pm.
You can sign up to volunteer here:
Items Needed
• Gently used, washed clothing
• Shoes
• Sports equipment
• Bikes and scooters
• Toys
• Baby clothes and small baby items
Items Not Needed
• Furniture
• Large appliances or oversized items
• Cribs, car seats, or strollers
• Old computers, monitors, or electronic equipment
As followers of Jesus, generosity is more than something we do—it is who we are. We serve a Saviour who gave everything for us. Because Christ has been so generous toward us, we can be generous toward others.
My prayer is that this weekend will not only be a blessing to our community but that each of us will experience the truth of Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Blessings, Ryan
One of the most memorable statements of Jesus is found in Acts 20:35: “You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NLT)
That runs against much of what our culture teaches. We often assume that happiness comes from getting more—more money, more possessions, more comfort, more opportunities. Yet Jesus points us in a different direction. He tells us that true blessing is found in generosity.
Most of us have experienced this. There is a unique joy that comes from helping someone in need, encouraging a struggling friend, serving behind the scenes, or giving sacrificially to bless another person. We discover that God's economy is different from the world's. When we freely give, we experience the joy of participating in God's heart for people.
This coming weekend, we have a wonderful opportunity to live out these words of Jesus together. Sequoia Community Church is partnering with churches across our city in The Big Give, a national movement of generosity where churches bless their communities by giving everything away for free.
How You Can Participate
Friday, June 5
We will be receiving donations at Ottawa Christian School from 4:30-7pm. You can also come and help sort the items so we are ready for Saturday morning.
Saturday, June 6
We will host a free community garage sale at Ottawa Christian School from 9-11am. Every item is given away at no cost as a practical expression of Christ's love for our neighbours. There are also opportunities to serve between 7:30am-12pm.
You can sign up to volunteer here:
Items Needed
• Gently used, washed clothing
• Shoes
• Sports equipment
• Bikes and scooters
• Toys
• Baby clothes and small baby items
Items Not Needed
• Furniture
• Large appliances or oversized items
• Cribs, car seats, or strollers
• Old computers, monitors, or electronic equipment
As followers of Jesus, generosity is more than something we do—it is who we are. We serve a Saviour who gave everything for us. Because Christ has been so generous toward us, we can be generous toward others.
My prayer is that this weekend will not only be a blessing to our community but that each of us will experience the truth of Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Blessings, Ryan