You may have heard the expression: “It is better to give than to receive.” Where does that come from? Who said that first? When I started looking for it … I was sure it was something Jesus had said. Yet it is nowhere to be found in the four gospel books. It is found in the farewell address of Paul to the elders of Ephesus as he commissioned them to “shepherd the flock of God.” (cf. Acts 20:28). As he described his own ministry toward them Paul tells them that he has learned the call to serve others from the Lord Jesus himself. “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 ). This wisdom of Christ cuts right across the grain of the world’s self-centered, selfish sentiments. It calls for grace. Jesus said, referring to himself, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). What amazing love the Saviour has shown by giving Himself to the death of the cross! How unthankful it would be to refuse to receive by faith the forgiveness He bought with His blood and offers us as the gospel is being preached! How shall we express gratitude for His ministry toward us? We are called to reflect this by ministering to each other. (I Peter 4:10, cf. John 15:34) Has the Lord given to you a measure of His grace? Then, (to rephrase a statement made by one of the U.S. presidents), “Ask not how your church can serve you; but ask how you can serve your church.”