It is more blessed to give than to receive

BLESSED’ is a funny word! What does it mean? Well, older people may remember Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus. Well … ‘makarios’ is the Greek word which had been translated ‘blessed’.

It means to be happy, to be content, and so Jesus said, basically, we are more happy when we give, than when we receive.

I remember when I was a little child, I could not wait for Christmas, to find out what presents I would receive. However, when I grew up a little, to about 8 or 9, I wanted to give my favourite aunt a present.

I went to Woolworths and, from my pocket money, bought her a little bottle of the perfume Evening in Paris. The delight on her face when she opened it – you would have thought I had bought her Channel Number 5 – gave me such pleasure, such happiness.

It was the same when I become a Christian. First of all, I was more interested in what I got, what I received: forgiveness of a sins, eternal life, a place in heaven.

However, as I grew up a little I started to think about what I could do, what I could give, to others, especially to those less fortunate than myself.

And when I started doing that, I had such great pleasure, and Jesus’ words - “It is more blessed to give then to receive” - were so true.

And I think that is true of so many people in Britain today.

Just think how much money people have given to the Ukrainian appeals and how many people have been willing to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees.

The spirit of Jesus’ words is still very much alive in our country today.

Michael Penny is the Chair of Churches

Together in Reading and Berkshire