I used to say I never got all that I deserved,
That those I loved held back from me, no matter how I served.
I used to say, “No matter what, it’ll never be enough.”
My family won’t appreciate just how much things are tough…

Until I stopped and thought about the things I had not done.
The times I had not said, “I love you” before the day was gone.
Then I put forth the effort, to give what they deserved;
And the love that I received from them has never ceased or swerved.
Now, I love them more and more each day… because I gave.

I used to say, “You are on your own” when it comes to living life,
That nobody else will help you in the times of greatest strife.
It seemed whenever I thought I needed something more than most,
Nobody came to lend a hand or offered to share the cost…

Until I took it upon myself to lend a helping hand,
Not worrying about who saw or heard, just filling the demand.
Then, one day, I faced a trial that overwhelmed my life,
And suddenly from every side was help to aid my strife.
And every time I asked why, I was told… because I gave.

I used to say I hated going to worship all the time,
“I never get anything out of it,” was often my favorite line.
I never sang, or prayed, or cared if I could stay awake,
I just wanted the preacher to stop, so I could get out to the lake…

Until a man taught me the truth and showed me how to serve,
Through obeying God and giving to him all that he deserved.
I listened to his words of wisdom and inserted them with care,
And now I look forward every day to the opportunity to be there.
And I see all the blessings he gives every day… because I gave.

“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye 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 20:32-35)