You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have: Life Lessons from Acts 3:6 for Emotional and Spiritual Growth

Understanding the True Meaning of Acts 3:6

When it comes to Christian living, few verses capture the essence of giving and receiving like Acts 3:6:“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

This scripture, often quoted in sermons and devotionals, reminds us that spiritual gifts can be more powerful than material wealth. Recently, while listening to a sermon by Reverend Kenneth Hagin titled “Relying on the Name of Jesus: Incline Thine Ear Part 3,” I gained fresh perspective on what this passage means for our emotional health and daily relationships.

The Principle: You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have

Rev. Hagin highlighted something profoundly simple yet deeply impactful: Peter and John could not give the lame man what they didn’t have. They didn’t possess silver or gold, but they did have faith and the power of Jesus Christ, and that is what they offered. The lesson is clear—we can only give to others what we possess within ourselves.

This principle applies not only to our physical resources, but also to our emotional and spiritual lives. Often, we seek encouragement, patience, or understanding from others, only to be disappointed. What if the reason is not unwillingness, but inability? Sometimes, people simply don’t have what we are asking for.

Relationships and Emotional Boundaries: Asking for What Others Can’t Give

One of the most important life lessons is recognizing the limits of others. We might desire affection, support, or positivity from certain individuals, but they may not be equipped to provide it. This isn’t always a reflection of their feelings toward us, but rather a sign of their own emotional or spiritual limitations.

Examples:

• Expecting patience or encouragement from someone struggling with their own negativity

• Seeking empathy or understanding from someone who has not learned these skills

• Wanting attention or care from someone who is emotionally unavailable

  
  

In such cases, setting healthy emotional boundaries is a key to emotional well-being and spiritual growth. Recognizing what others can or cannot offer helps us manage our expectations and prevents unnecessary hurt.

The Flip Side: People Give What They Do Have

Rev. Hagin made another crucial point: not only can people not give what they don’t have, but they will give what they do have. If someone is filled with negativity, criticism, or self-centeredness, that is what will spill over into their interactions with you. As Christians, we are called to be discerning about what we allow others to pour into us.

Surrounding ourselves with positive, faith-filled, and supportive individuals builds us up, while continually exposing ourselves to negativity and criticism can drain our spiritual and emotional reserves.

Discernment and Spiritual Growth: Choosing What We Receive

The Bible encourages us to be wise and discerning in our relationships (Proverbs 13:20, 1 Corinthians 15:33). This means paying attention not just to what we desire from others, but also to what they are actually offering. When someone consistently gives negativity, arrogance, or self-pity, we must ask ourselves: Do I want to receive this? Is this what I want poured into my heart and mind?

It is our responsibility to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and seek out those who fill us with encouragement, wisdom, and faith.

Practical Steps for Christian Living and Relationships

1. Reflect on our Expectations: Are we asking for something from someone who simply cannot give it? Let us release them and ourselves from this burden.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries: Protect our emotional and spiritual well-being by being selective about who we allow to speak into our lives.

3. Seek Spiritual Encouragement: Surround ourselves with those who are filled with the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

4. Be Mindful of What we Give: Examine what we have within ourselves. Are we offering encouragement, hope, and faith to others? Fill our own cups daily with the Word of God and prayer, so we have good gifts to give.

5. Practice Forgiveness and Compassion: Remember that everyone is on their own journey. Sometimes, people are doing the best they can with what they have.

   
   

Conclusion: Giving and Receiving in the Spirit of Acts 3:6

Acts 3:6 teaches us a powerful lesson for both spiritual and emotional health: “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee.” In all areas of life—relationships, friendships, ministry, or family—we can only give what we truly possess. By understanding this, we free ourselves from unrealistic expectations, protect our emotional and spiritual well-being, and grow in both wisdom and grace.

As we move forward in our Christian walk, we must remember to be mindful of what we seek from others, and even more mindful of what we allow others to pour into us. Let’s strive to be vessels filled with faith, encouragement, and love, so that what we give is truly a blessing to all.

If this post encouraged you, please share it with others or comment below with your thoughts on Acts 3:6 and your own experiences with giving and receiving in relationships.

Coach

Kathryn