"And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

— Acts 20:35

When you are very young, you are usually preoccupied with what you are getting for Christmas. But as you get older, you start learning the joy of giving, and you actually find that it is indeed more of a blessing to give than it is to receive.

We need to learn to be generous with everything that God has given to us. Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38). You can't outgive God.

So let's learn the joy of giving. Let's learn the joy of giving of our time, our resources, our talents and abilities—whatever God has given to us. Some hoard what God has given them, not wanting to give, not understanding that as you give out, more is given to you: "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself" (Proverbs 11:25).

It helps me when I can help you. It blesses me when I can bless you. And I will let you in on a little discovery I have made: I am probably more blessed giving than those who are receiving. If you apply that principle yourself, then you will learn a wonderful secret: the joy of giving in every area of your life. Have you discovered that secret yet?

We don't know how long we will live. But I believe that if we live each day as unto the Lord, then we won't have to worry about the length of our lives. So make every day count. Don't waste your life. Give out of what God has given you. Live your life well.