“Reward be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us within the heavenly realms with each non secular blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
Most ladies I do know are glorious givers, however not all the time good at receiving. As I ponder this, I’m wondering if it’s due to how God created us as helpers for our husbands, companions to our coworkers and pals, and even nurses for our children after they’re sick.
It comes pure for us to serve our households, contribute to our workplaces, and provides of ourselves till we’ve nothing left to present. But, studying to obtain is vitally vital to our well being and progress. It’s a part of who we had been created to be – to obtain each blessing we’ve been given via Christ Jesus.
In the event you’re a wonderful giver however battle to obtain, I pray this submit is of nice encouragement to you. It’s attainable to obtain with a joyful mindset, open palms of religion, and a coronary heart of gratitude.
It Begins with Perception
Once we learn the verse in Acts 20:35 that claims, “It’s extra blessed to present than to obtain,” we would assume Paul is telling the early church that receiving is dangerous. Nonetheless, within the context of your complete chapter, we see that Paul is speaking about covetousness and the way he averted this concern by working to produce what was wanted for himself and his companions.
What we imagine about receiving issues enormously. If we’ve the mindset that we should all the time give, serve, and assist however by no means get, be served, or be helped, we’re going to run ourselves ragged and miss out on the blessings round us.
Many occasions, I’ve witnessed my mother or mother-in-law busy within the kitchen whereas the remainder of the household is having fun with time collectively. Often, with a little bit of coaxing, I’m in a position to get them to cease and be part of the fellowship, however it’s obvious their pure tendency is to serve.
In Psalm 34:8, David mentioned, “Style and see that the Lord is sweet; blessed is the one who takes. refuge in Him.” This passage invitations us to partake of the Lord’s goodness and take refuge in Him. It doesn’t as soon as point out giving, however as a substitute, receiving.
Studying to obtain begins with perception – the idea that God offers good presents to His kids and needs us to simply accept them with pleasure and thanksgiving. Pray and ask the Lord to alter your mindset round “receiving” and start to embrace the wonderful blessings He pours out to you.
Listed below are extra useful sources in your journey:
Why Does the Book of Acts Say It’s Better to Give Than Receive?
A Prayer for Changing the Way You Think
15 Things to Do If You Need a Change in Perspective
It Requires Humility
It might probably really feel awkward when somebody offers us a praise or phrase of affirmation, particularly once we’re not good at receiving. Our tendency is likely to be to say issues like, “Oh, it’s nothing, actually,” or “If solely you knew the true me!” However what may occur if we humbly acquired the type phrases of others with sincerity and gratitude? Think about how their phrases of affirmation would proceed to bless us as a substitute of being immediately dismissed and forgotten.
Within the ESV, Proverbs 22:4 says, “The reward for humility and concern of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” This verse first emphasizes humility, however it additionally highlights the riches, honor, and reward we obtain once we are humble earlier than God.
Studying to obtain requires humility – the type of humility that accepts issues from others with real appreciation. As an alternative of glossing over the act of kindness, or receiving it flippantly, we’re intentional about pausing lengthy sufficient to comprehend the graciousness of others and the blessings of God.
This isn’t all the time simple, however the extra we observe humbly accepting what others give with a easy and honest “Thanks,” the higher we’ll get at receiving. So, the subsequent time you’re supplied a praise or surprising act of kindness, pause for a second earlier than you reply. Look the particular person within the eye and allow them to know you actually recognize them.
Listed below are extra useful sources in your journey:
What is Humility? Bible Meaning and Importance for Christians
Why We Need to Learn to Take Compliments Well
The Grace and Greatness of True Humility
It Takes Observe
Studying to obtain properly isn’t going to occur in a single day, however, thankfully, there are various occasions all year long once we can observe it. Holidays, celebrations, work gatherings, church settings… all of those present alternatives to not solely serve others however obtain from them as properly. This may be within the type of:
-Tangible presents
-Awards and promotions
-Verbal compliments
-Assist with initiatives or duties
-Knowledge, counsel, and steering
In every situation, we are able to study to obtain graciously with out false guilt or false humility. Sure, it takes observe, however similar to the rest, the extra we do it the higher we get at it. At your subsequent gathering, be intentional about receiving. Don’t let compliments slide. Don’t downplay the promotion. Don’t reject the assistance individuals provide. Be prepared to obtain what others are greater than prepared to present. Earlier than lengthy, you’ll be an skilled giver and receiver!
Listed below are extra useful sources in your journey:
6 Ways to Seek Wise Counsel in Your Life
What James 1:17 Means By ‘Every Good and Perfect Gift’ is from Above’
It Grows with Gratitude
It might sound counterintuitive to present extra as a way to obtain extra, however in terms of gratitude, that’s precisely the way it works. The truth is, have you ever ever prayed with open palms, ready in keen expectation for what God has for you that day?
It is a easy behavior to include into your private time with the Lord, and as you do, you’ll end up rising in gratitude for His ample blessings. With anticipation, you’ll search His fact, His will, and His method and study to obtain the non secular blessings He’s already given you in keeping with Ephesians 1:3.
Bear in mind, the Lord is a Giver – He’s the Giver of life, love, and limitless grace. Which means, as His daughters, we’re to be receivers of His ample life, everlasting love, and countless grace. Once we view receiving from this angle, it should change into fantastic and joyful for us. And the extra lavish we’re in gratefulness and reward to our good, good Father, the extra keen we will probably be to obtain day by day presents from Him.
It was John Wesley who mentioned, “Thanksgiving is inseparable from true prayer; it’s nearly primarily linked with it. One who all the time prays is ever giving reward, whether or not in ease or ache, each for prosperity and for the best adversity. He blesses God for all issues, appears to be like on them as coming from Him, and receives them for His sake.”
Let’s study to obtain as we develop in our gratitude to the God who loves us and blesses us with each good factor. Let’s observe receiving with sincerity and pause. And let’s humbly settle for the kindness others provide by believing within the goodness of each giving and receiving with pleasure.
Listed below are extra useful sources in your journey:
4 Ways Gratitude Can Change Your Mindset
There’s a Good Reason for Gratitude
Picture Credit score: ©iStock/Getty Photos Plus/Tom Merton
