Giving is Better than Receiving
A lot of emphasis is put on giving, and indeed it is better to give than it is to receive. However I find I often suffer from ‘receiver’s guilt’ which is amplified around Christmas time – if someone gives me an unexpected gift I feel some how socially obligated to give a gift in return. Sometimes I am able, other times I am not and the guilt increases. Have you ever had that awkward feeling when someone gives you a gift and you feel bad because you can’t give them anything in return? I have.
But should this be the way we react?
It is OK to Receive
Sometimes it is OK to receive without giving anything in return. In fact, sometimes the simple act of receiving the gift being given from a joyful and generous heart is the best gift you could give in return. The Bible says we are blessed when we give.
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
So when we refuse a gift from someone whose motives are pure and they are simply wanting to express generosity and love, we are standing in the way of them receiving that blessing.
Having said this, even though we may work on being a better receiver we should not start to expect it. We too should be looking to give with a generous heart. Maybe not to the same person who gave to you, but to be cheerful givers none the less.
I hope you enjoy this Christmas season and begin to learn the gift of receiving for yourself.