At Christmas we remember that it is “more blessed to give than it is to receive.” There are many motives when it comes to giving. Some people give because it makes them feel good. Others give because it makes them look good. Sometimes you give because you have to; like paying bills and fines etc.

Hopefully at Christmas, we will learn that giving is something we are supposed to do. So much has been given to us. So much will be expected from us.

The great preacher Charles Spurgeon and his wife sold eggs that their chickens would lay. They would make everyone pay for the eggs, even relatives. This made some of the people think that they were greedy. They were criticized for not bending and did not defend themselves for charging.

After Mrs. Spurgeon died the full story was revealed: All the profits from the sale of eggs went to support two elderly widows. They endured the attacks in silence because they did not want to brag about their giving. It is hard to take criticism when you are just attempting to do what God wants you to do.

In I Corinthians 6:7b it says, “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”

In this Church some Christians were taking other Christians to court. Paul wanted them to settle things on their own without going to court. He told them that they should just allow themselves to be cheated instead of putting up a fight. Charles Spurgeon and his wife were just silent and allowed themselves to take on much criticism. They knew that it was more blessed to give, than to receive all the glory for the giving.

We receive this Christmas the gift of Jesus Christ who was silent when He was falsely accused and brought before the religious leaders to be tried. He was silent and was wronged in the process. He was silent, because if He spoke up and defended Himself, He would have avoided death on a cross and our punishment from sin would be gone.

We have received so many blessings from God. What we give is small in comparison to what God has given us. I hope during this Christmas season that you will receive more of God and then you will be able to give more to others. I pray that you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a giving New Year.