Jesus said…
Acts 20:35 NLT 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
I’ve always been a better giver than receiver. I have also been someone who refused to accept things from others until I heard a sermon once that really resonated with me. I’ll summarize what was said. So, imagine if you will a large chalk board in Heaven (no of course there really isn’t one but let’s just image there is) so when you are giving to someone else, helping them, giving them something, being a good Christian brother or sister then you get a tick mark or chalk mark under your name. Score one for you!!! Keep helping, keep giving, more marks!!
So then if another person wants to bless you with something and you refuse –are you not allowing them to get a tick mark under their name. You are refusing to allow them to be the hands and feet of Jesus for you. Hmmm, never thought of it that way – huh?
2 Corinthians 9:7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
Do we really want to stifle a blessing someone feels led to give to you? I think it can get confusing when you think also about what Jesus said, I have come to serve not to be served. The difference is – Jesus. Son of God, He washed feet, something a servant normally does and the apostles protested about it. It’s different for Him to serve others than us. It means something different.
John 13:4-17 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
He says - If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.
I think most folks are givers and not takers. Most also are the same as I was – protest the gift. But next time, think about what I said above. Don’t stop a blessing someone wants to give you. it is a double blessing, you get the gift or service and that blesses you and they get to give something and be a blessing to someone. #WinWin
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for cheerful givers. Thank You for extra blessings bestowed on us by others. Thank You for allowing us to have giving hearts. Help us be ever mindful of allowing others to be a blessing to us too. In Jesus Name I pray - AMEN