Comparisons - Acts 20:31-38

While warning his audience in Ephesus of the upcoming apostasy, Paul continues speaking to them in a way that is reminiscent of the ancient Book of Mormon prophets such as King Benjamin’s great farewell sermon to his people. Paul reminds the people “that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Similarly, Nephi, referring to his love for his people, wrote “for I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them” (2 Nephi 33:3). The concept of emotion to the point of tears out of love for their people is an excellent illustrator of the amount of emotional investment that they had in their work. If we think about people who use their positions of authority to extort or abuse others, they typically show no signs of emotion at the distress they cause. Such a contrast makes the difference in intention obvious.

Even modern day prophets say similar things as Paul, who says, “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.” Just in the most recent general conference, President Russell M. Nelson said, “the Savior said, ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions.’ However, as you choose not to make covenants with God, you are settling for a most meager roof over your heard throughout all eternity.” This is kind of the inverse of what Paul is saying, but both statements point out that God has a rich supply of blessings waiting for them who obey him and are made perfect through his power.
In Mosiah 2:12-14, King Benjamin says, “I say unto you that as I have suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you… and even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you” Likewise, Paul reminds the people of Ephesus, “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.” It seems important that the people be reminded that the goal of righteous leaders isn’t to make money or have servants.
As the “wolves” that Paul talked about come in among the people, they will probably try to con the believers out of money under the guise of helping the cause, but the people would be able to look to Paul’s example and know what is appropriate to ask for and what is not. These statements also allow the person saying it to be able to state with a clear conscience that they have done their best, and it might create some closure for them. Paul also used this statement to remind the people that they could follow his example “that so laboring 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.”
Interestingly, Paul is attributing this statement to the Savior, but it isn’t found in any of the four gospels.  The concept that it is better to give than to receive is counterintuitive, because, especially as children, we want presents all the time. I think that it is a mix between wanting cool stuff all the time, but also the excitement of a surprise and the comfort that we are important to someone. But the psychology behind being on the receiving end of charity is complicated, and while it sounds great as kids and even as adults sometimes, too much charity, depending on the circumstance, can stunt our emotional growth.
On the other hand, giving is usually almost always associated with positive feelings and lessons. As always there is a point where giving is detrimental, but for the most part, we are better off giving than receiving. And one of our goals in life can be changing our beliefs until we can fall in line with being generous givers and humble receivers.