Knowledge Hoop

How many of you have heard that it’s better to give than receive?  The biblical mandate is clear… we are supposed to give. There are many scriptures that support this.  The book of Proverbs, often referred to as the book of wisdom, is filled with scripture that support this mandate.   However, how can you have a giver without a receiver?  If you can’t have one without the other, I would say that they are equally important. 

If receiving is equally important, why do many of us have a hard time receiving?  Do you think that you’re a good receiver?  If so, answer the following questions:

• When someone gives you a compliment, do you find yourself complimenting them back, or do you thank them for the compliment?
• If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you thank them, or critique the job and communicate all of the things that didn’t go as well as they should have?
• If someone does something nice for you, do you feel obligated to do something nice for them?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, you are likely not a good receiver.  This is simply my opinion, but oftentimes, we are not good receivers because we don’t believe that we are worthy of receiving.  From a Christian perspective, if you feel that you aren’t worthy of receiving, you will have a hard time believing that Christ can forgive us, and that he loves us unconditionally – in spite of ourselves.  When dealing with money, you will find it difficult to keep money.  If you spend everything you make, discipline is likely a factor, but there may be some deep rooted issues regarding self-worth too.

 If you have struggled in the area of receiving, try this exercise for the next week – if someone compliments you, thank them and move on.  Do not compliment them back.  They will not be offended.  It sounds easy, but many will struggle with this exercise.  If you find that this is a “stretch” exercise for you, don’t stop, stick with it.  I guarantee that you will feel better about yourself at the end of the week. 

Christmas time is also known as the season of giving.  Adhere to the mandate and give from the heart, but do take time to receive.  This is not about material things – receive the kind word, hug, or compliment from a loved one.  Your spirit will thank you!