We've all heard sermons and teachings about the importance of giving, yet not many leaders in the church seem to cover the topic of receiving. We know that it s hugely important that we give and give abundantly to those around us. We use what God has blessed us with to bless those around us. But what happens when you're on the other end of that blessing? When God uses someone else to bless you? There are two big mistakes when it comes to receiving-- those who take too much and those who won't receive at all. Let's start with the former and finish with the latter tomorrow.
We all know those people who will try to get anything they can out of others. Free food? Let me stuff my pockets for later. You're buying? Let me order the most expensive thing off the menu. Is that attitude really exhibiting the characteristics of Jesus? No. Jesus was no beggar and no taker. He wasn't one to take everything He could get out of others and we shouldn't be either. Others will notice that attitude very quickly and be turned away from Jesus when His people act like that.
Next time you are on the receiving end of a blessing, think of how you would feel on the giving end. How might you want someone to accept your gift. Remember not to take advantage of someone who is giving to you, as to avoid burdening them. Receive graciously from your brothers and sisters in Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. (ESV)
2 Corinthians 12:13-16 How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. (NIV)
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (ESV)
Hebrews 13:6 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (ESV)
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
We all know those people who will try to get anything they can out of others. Free food? Let me stuff my pockets for later. You're buying? Let me order the most expensive thing off the menu. Is that attitude really exhibiting the characteristics of Jesus? No. Jesus was no beggar and no taker. He wasn't one to take everything He could get out of others and we shouldn't be either. Others will notice that attitude very quickly and be turned away from Jesus when His people act like that.
Next time you are on the receiving end of a blessing, think of how you would feel on the giving end. How might you want someone to accept your gift. Remember not to take advantage of someone who is giving to you, as to avoid burdening them. Receive graciously from your brothers and sisters in Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. (ESV)
2 Corinthians 12:13-16 How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. (NIV)
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (ESV)
Hebrews 13:6 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (ESV)
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
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