The Gospels do not record this statement made by Jesus, Acts does. Paul was giving his final address to the Ephesian elders and he encouraged them to remember the words of the Lord Jesus himself who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

There is a blessing in receiving. All of us like to receive. There is something built into us that enjoys the act of receiving. It could be opening a gift at Christmas, receiving a hug from our kids, being the recipient of an act of kindness, an unexpected visit from a dear friend; all of these bring a level of happiness into our lives. Jesus is right; there is a blessing in receiving.
Equally as true, there is a greater blessing in giving – note the words “more blessed”. I remember one time in Bible College that Pam had paid all the bills and we didn’t have enough money to buy groceries. We were two weeks away from pay day so I was somewhat concerned about this. We went to church, parked our car in the usual place, and when we came out of church we discovered that our car was full of groceries…more than two weeks worth! What a blessing it was to receive those groceries. But Jesus says that the person or people who gave them to us were more blessed. They received a greater blessing. How does this work?
First, I believe there is a physical blessing when we give. Dr. Wayne Dyer has discovered in his studies that when people receive acts of kindness that serotonin is released in their brains. Serotonin is the chemical in our brains that is responsible for the joyful feelings that we experience. Furthermore, his studies have concluded that the receiver is not the only one that experiences serotonin. The giver of the gift also has serotonin released in their brain and anyone who sees the act of giving. I don’t have any scientific proof of this but I do have biblical evidence: I believe the giver gets more serotonin because it’s more blessed to give.
Second, and most importantly, there are spiritual blessings when we give. Jesus taught these principles to his followers: Mark 8:35 Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” And in Luke 6:38 Jesus teaches, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” So we keep when we give and we get back more than we give. Doesn't the life of Jesus model giving so beautifully? He gave light to those in darkness, pardon to those who were guilty, peace to those who were troubled, hope to those who were hopeless, life to those who were dead and salvation to those who were lost. Jesus gave! I believe the most important blessing we gain by giving is that we are like Jesus when we give.
This Christmas many of you at the church are blessing families in our community. Over 50 families in the Evergreen community are receiving a blessing this Christmas because of your generous kindness. Please know that serotonin will be released and Jesus will be honored because His followers are giving.
To all of you giving this Christmas, I want to say thank you. Thank you for going for the greater blessing – giving. Thank you for modeling the spirit of Christmas and Jesus Christ – giving.
For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son…

With serotonin flowing in my brain (and tears in eyes),
Pastor Tim