Generosity Leads to Joy
By Rick Warren
“There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” Acts 20:35 (GNT)
Do you want to be known as a joyful person? I don’t mean someone who is always happy. That’s just not possible. I mean someone who has the joy of the Lord, whose hope is not shaken by life’s ups and downs. A joyful person sees God at work, even in their trials.
This is how you become a joyful person: Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving” (GNT).
I’ve always loved this verse because it’s so honest. Does Jesus say there’s no happiness in receiving? No. There is happiness in receiving. But Jesus says there’s more happiness in giving.
That’s the exact opposite of the way the world thinks. Most of the world thinks there’s more happiness in getting. The more you get, the happier you’ll be. But Jesus doesn’t think like the world. He knows you are most like him when you are giving—and that giving produces joy.
When people visit Saddleback Church, they notice it’s a joyful church. Do you know why? Because it’s a generous church. People love to give! And when you’re generous, it results in joy. It feels good to give.
God wants us as individuals and churches to be more generous, because it makes us more like him. He uses our giving to bless others. And, in turn, he uses our generosity to bless us.
Do you want your family to be more joyful? Then be more generous as a family. Do you want to be a more joyful person? Then be more generous as a person.
Your joy will be a light to those around you who do not know Jesus. Your generosity will be a blessing.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Choose Faith Over Fear!
Are you ready to live with more freedom, joy, and impact?
That’s what you’ll discover how to do in Pastor Rick Warren’s 6-session, *video-based Bible study Daring Faith.
Complete with a study guide and devotion for each day, this study will help you learn how to . . . expect the best, build a life of faith, stretch your imagination, take initiative, face your fears, and trust God while you’re waiting.
So request your copy of Daring Faith when you give a gift today to help more people break free from fear and find their hope in Jesus through Daily Hope.
*Video is available in DVD or streaming formats. The workbook will be mailed to you.
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.