Generous Living: More Blessed to Give than Receive & Baptism Sunday | Rev. Vicki Harrison
What Does It Mean to Be “Blessed,” Really?
We say it all the time: “I’m blessed.” It’s on t-shirts, in our emails, and on every other Instagram post. But when Jesus says in Acts 20:35 that it’s more blessed to give than to receive, he’s not talking about getting more stuff.
The Greek word makarios (blessed) carries a deeper meaning: a deep, spiritual contentment that’s independent of circumstance. It’s joy rooted not in accumulation, but in giving—and Jesus modeled that with his whole life.
Paul's Goodbye and a Call to Generosity
Pastor Vicki walked us through the powerful moment when Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders. He's not just offering prayer or encouragement—he’s calling the church to action. Specifically, to give generously to those in need in Jerusalem, even at great personal risk. It’s a deeply emotional moment, and Paul ends with these words from Jesus:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
And this wasn’t metaphorical giving. It was actual generosity. Paul was asking them to give financially, sacrificially, and out of love.
Real Generosity Always Moves Beyond Words
Saying we care isn’t enough. As Pastor Vicki pointed out, words about helping others are hollow without action behind them. Generosity—especially financial generosity—is where the rubber meets the road.
Throughout scripture, Jesus doesn't just meet spiritual needs—he feeds people, heals them, touches the untouchable. Generosity was a defining mark of His ministry, and it should be ours too.
The Church Doesn’t Sell a Product. It Builds People.
One of the most powerful moments in the sermon came when Pastor Vicki reminded us: the church isn’t a business. We don’t give based on the “quality” of the sermon or the music. Giving is not a tip jar. It’s an act of worship.
Jesus designed the Church to be self-supporting—not through products, but through the faithful generosity of people who love God and each other.
Generosity Changes Us—One Hard Truth at a Time
So why did God design giving this way? Because it transforms us. Giving regularly and sacrificially:
Kills self-centeredness.
We stop orbiting our own needs and begin trusting God. As Pastor Vicki shared from personal experience, tithing can reveal—and break—the habits of fear and control.Reveals what we truly value.
As Jesus says in Matthew 6, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Generosity pulls our hearts toward the Kingdom.Leads to actual contentment.
Study after study shows: people who give—regardless of income—report higher peace, satisfaction, and purpose. The math doesn’t always make sense, but the Kingdom of God often doesn’t follow human logic.
It’s Not About the Church. It’s About Your Heart.
Jesus isn’t concerned with your 401(k) or your new car. He’s after your heart.
So here’s the real question:
Is it time to trust?
To put Jesus—not our needs or comforts—at the center?
Reflection & Prayer
“Jesus, help us trust You enough to give freely. Strip away the fear, the excuses, the self-centeredness. Teach us to live generously—not just for others, but for our own hearts. Amen.”
Sermon Notes & Reflection Questions
Generous Living: More Blessed to Give than Receive
Key Scripture: Acts 20:35
How do you define the word blessed?
Our words about caring for others are _______________ if they aren’t followed up with real practical support. Do you believe this?
How did Jesus’ life exemplify generous living?
According to Pastor Vicki’s definition, generous living is to give ________________, to willingly share resources like time, skills, and money, without expecting ___________________ _______ ___________________.
Reflection Questions:
Do you believe that it is more blessed to give than receive? Why or why not?
Do you tithe (give 10% of your income to the church)? Why or why not?
Do you feel like you live a generous life? Why or why not?
What was God’s design for funding the church?
What are some benefits to giving sacrificially? Why did God design it this way?
Giving sacrificially kills _______________________.
It helps us invest in what _________________ _____________.
It leads to true ___________________.
Do you trust God fully with your resources and that He will care for you and your family?
Are you investing more in earthly treasures or heavenly treasures?
What’s your contentment level on a scale of 1 to 10?
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More Sermons in this Series
Other Sermons from Pastor Vicki
Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. In this sermon, Pastor Vicki challenges us to examine how generosity, contentment, and trust in God intersect.