Revived people are giving people — generous people.

The old nature of man majors on getting. Enough seems unattainable. Witness the constant striving of wealthy people to get more and more. Selfishness is unmasked. Money is worshipped by many.

A few learn one of life’s greatest lessons: It is more blessed to give than to receive. The Christians at Philippi were givers. They sent gifts to Paul even when things were difficult for them. Their generosity has not gone unnoticed. Centuries have come and gone and Paul’s commendation of their acts of love remains. We’re thinking about it today.

A favorite verse of thousands is Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Many fail to notice that this often claimed promise is premised on generous giving. In the text, Paul is assuring these Christians that God will supply their needs because they have been faithful in sending gifts to him in his time of need.

There is another dimension to giving. George Muller wrote: “God judges what we give by what we keep.” The giving heart is never satisfied while the coffers remain full. He gives cheerfully and is blessed in his giving.

We ought to give because we have been given so much: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).