THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 10TH NOVEMBER 2025, MONDAY MESSAGE
Blessed to Give
Linawati Santoso (East Java, Indonesia)
Today’s Reading
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
The Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35 (NIV)
In the rental house where my family and I used to live, there was space on the second floor for us to grow potted plants. My sister and I planted pandanus, aloe vera, chili peppers, snake fruits, dragon fruits, and other plants. However, we had to move from that house because the owner was going to renovate it.
Our new rental house didn’t have space for our plants. My sister was sad, feeling her efforts had been in vain. We ended up giving the plants to friends and neighbors. I said to my sister, “In this time, God gave us the opportunity to share.” Everyone rejoiced when they received the plants from us, which made us happy.
Even when our gifts are simple, they can bring joy to others, and the act of giving brings joy to us. That is why Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” And that is why the Macedonians in today’s scripture reading pleaded for the privilege of sharing in the service to the Lord’s people (see 2 Cor. 8:4). I imagine they said, “We don’t want to miss the opportunity!” God’s heart is pleased when we give. Like the Macedonians, my sister and I were grateful to God for this opportunity to give.
Thought for the Day
Today I will look for opportunities to give to others.
Prayer Focus
For a spirit of generosity
Read More
More from Linawati Santoso
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, open our eyes to see every opportunity that you have given us to show generosity to others. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 10th November 2025 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More