Choices change lives…
By Barbara Dahlgren
The Bible says it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Although it is more blessed to give, there are times when it is blessed to receive as well.
Some people are too proud to receive anything from anybody. They don’t want to feel obligated to another person. They don’t want others to think they need anything. Some of these people are generous givers, but don’t know how to receive.
Some people can’t even receive a sincere compliment. Instead of just graciously saying, “Thank you,” they make up excuses as to why they don’t deserve the compliment. It’s as if they think if they accept the compliment, they aren’t humble enough. Or they immediately try to reciprocate with another compliment which is usually insincere because they are only reciprocating, not really giving a genuine compliment. Let’s face it— some days our hair really does look good so when some bald guy says, “Hey, I like your hair style!” we don’t need to say, “I like yours, too!”
Just as giving should be part of our lives, so should receiving. When we can’t receive genuine, heartfelt gifts, appreciation, help, or compliments from others, we rob them of blessings.
Jesus was the greatest giver. He gave up His life for us. But did you know Jesus knew how to receive as well. When Mary anointed His feet with expensive perfume, He accepted it graciously (John 12:1-8). The disciples were shocked because the ointment was worth a lot of money and could have been sold to help the poor. Yet, Jesus accepted this gift in the spirit it was given.
Jesus taught the disciples a lesson in serving others when He insisted on washing their feet at the Last Supper (John 13:14-15). However, this was a lesson in receiving as well. Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet, but Jesus said that unless Peter received this act of service from Him, Peter could have no part of Him (John 13:4-10).
God has gifts for us to receive, but sometimes we refuse to accept them. God wants us to receive forgiveness of sin. We already have it, but we need to acknowledge and receive it. Unless we do we will never be able to experience the fullness of a relationship with Him.
Consider this… Jesus could have fed the multitudes with manna from heaven. After all, it had been done before. Instead, he let a little boy give up his lunch and share what he had with others (John 6:5-14).
One final thought… We should always give with an open heart. We need to learn to receive the same way.
