By all these things, I have shown you that by working in this way we must help the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35)
A two inch bitterling swims among freshwater mussels to spawn. This sly minnow knows the mollusk shells will protect her eggs from predators. She selects an open host and inserts her breeding tube. The eggs settle between the mussel’s internal organs and the mother swims away. Next, a male bitterling releases his sperm, which are drawn into the mussel to fertilize the eggs.
At first, the bitterlings appear to be self-serving opportunists taking advantage of mussels. But the mussels see it differently. They eagerly await the arrival of bitterlings. The moment the fish show up, the mussels release their own larvae into the water to attach to the gills. After hitching a ride, the larvae drop to the ocean floor and develop a new neighborhood of mussels.
Like the bitterling and the mussel, God’s creatures provide symbiotic and contributory relationships at many levels. It keeps our planet ticking. Why is it, then, that humans so readily take more than they give?
The Holy Spirit is effervescent life in my heart. New bubbles form, which presents a problem. My blessings swell beyond my needs and I have to relieve my bloat by giving to others. I can give large things and small—earn a wage and economize to fund missions, help with chores, work with my hands, teach, administer, give cookies, counsel, smile, hug, or pray. Hoarding gratifies for a fleshly minute, while giving satisfies for a spiritual eternity.
It’s the ultimate symbiotic relationship—there are people in need, and I have a need to give.
Prayer: Jesus, change me from a taker into a giver.