Shaina attends a service for 20-somethings at her church. The group is small but growing, and they’re starting to reach out in innovative ways to their community.
In the past year, nearly 30 people in the church have lost their jobs. So her group decided to get donations of food from individuals and businesses. They were amazed at the generosity. Soon they had a room jam-packed with groceries, and they began to set up appointments for the out-of-work families to “shop” for free. But many people didn’t want to come, despite being in financial trouble. “We felt bad,” said Shaina. “I was doing something to help people who really needed it, and it was a great feeling. People took something away from me because they were too proud to accept help.”
When Paul the apostle prepared to go to Jerusalem for the last time, he stopped to encourage the believers in Ephesus. He noted that he had never coveted anyone’s wealth and had always worked hard. But when he quoted Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), his statement implied that it is indeed blessed to receive. If no one receives, no one gets the blessing of giving. God uses our needy times to humble us—and to enable others to enjoy the blessing of giving.
We’re all desperately needy for spiritual rescue. Without Jesus, we’re powerless to save ourselves. In a letter to the Ephesians, Paul wrote, “Even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead” (2:5). “God saved you by His grace when you believed [in His Son]. . . . It is a gift from God” (v.8).
Yet most people are too proud to receive the most generous gift of all time. Imagine how Jesus must feel about that.
More:
• Leviticus 19:9-10
• Proverbs 22:9, 28:27
• Ephesians 2:1-10
Next:
How is pride keeping you from receiving kindness from someone else? Are you letting pride keep you from receiving Christ’s gift of eternal life?
fieldlily on January 20, 2010 at 7:34 am
This is so true. We all enjoy being the givers. But pride goes before a fall. It is not always easy to humble oneself to receive assistance. But just as we all have to humble ourselves before Christ and admit we are sinners and need a Savior, sometimes we need to admit that we need help in our daily lives. The Lord is the true provider, He is just using this group as His instrument. We also need to remember that those who are trying to help may have been in need of assistance at some time and may be trying to repay by helping someone else. By not accepting they may not be allowing someone to be blessed by giving.
I have a hard time allowing others to help me, but I have learned that by accepting help I may actually be helping someone else. Does this make any sense at all?
Lord, please soften hearts to receive help, and bless both the givers and the receivers. Amen
roxanne robbins on January 20, 2010 at 7:43 am
Well said!
Gary4orphans on January 20, 2010 at 9:26 am
Been there, own the T-Shirt. As a new Christian, recently retired from the military I had a major pride issue. Out of work and with no car I couldn’t get to work even if offered a temp assignment. A couple from church saw me riding my son’s bicycle and asked why. When I told them I had no car, they offered to lend me one of their extra vehicles for as long as I needed it. I was about to politely refuse (due to pride) when God convicted me that He was trying to bless me AND my friends. I accepted the loan of the vehicle, was able to work, and then get another car of my own. Blessings all around when I swallowed my pride and accepted help when it was offered. So I agree with the above and testify that letting others help you when you need it blesses many. It’s actually selfish to NOT accept help.
Chileshe on January 20, 2010 at 9:48 am
Can’t agree more with what you’ve all said. Today I was reminded by one prominent preacher that whenever I am called upon to do something to/for someone it is to my benefit. For example, if the need is to forgive I should because God demands that I do so if I am to receive His forgiveness. Same is for all things we do for our fellow men. Giving, helping or whatever, should come from the heart with sincerity. Let’s be careful not to be caught up in the Matt 6: 1-4 situation. Indeed receive with both hands because you are helping complete the blessing process of the giver.
shayskin on January 20, 2010 at 11:02 am
Thank you Jesus for your giving spirit
I am aperson that have alway gave to other
Now I am off of work for more than 5 months and my bills have been paid and i have been blessed by God through private donation meaning I dont know who and what and how they can but they did
So maybe it should be private that the people at your church recieved the gifts too
Thank be to God glory
missshay on January 20, 2010 at 5:43 pm
your message has really touched me because i love to give but i hate receiving evening asking cause i think it feels demeaning but now i have realized that if people don’t receive there will be no need to give so we must continue the cycle but not necessarily become dependent on others if we can work.
i pray that i really take the message into my thoughts and deeds.
Amen
tyronebcookin on January 20, 2010 at 8:51 pm
When I decided to work full-time for a mission organization that required me to raise my own support from friends, family, and my church…I learned to swallow my pride.
And even now (I am back home in the work force) if someone offered me something I would ask to make sure there wasn’t someone else who needed what they offered me more than I did/do, then swallow and humbly say ‘thank you’ and receive what they were giving…I quit trying to refuse what may be what the Lord wanted to give me personally.
I love to give, support local and international missions/charities, churches, and friends that I met when I worked in missions and with charities.
But its just as important to learn how to receive…or how do you learn to receive from Christ? Are we denying other peoples blessing? How selfish of us would that be?
Great Devotional…thank you for the post.