One of the benefits of responding to writing prompts is the opportunity to explore a topic you might not necessarily engage with otherwise but one that provides insight, in this case, to receive.
As Paul bid farewell to the Ephesians, he said, “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:32-35 NIV
To receive a gift
Although Paul’s statement does not show up in the gospels, it is clear that Jesus did many things that were not recorded. And Paul had intimate knowledge of His ministry—from the experience on the road to Damascus and thereafter—and was well acquainted with the other apostles. So, I have no doubt about the veracity of the “more blessed to give than to receive” statement.
And yet, we receive all the time, from God, everything, every moment of every day. And from our parents during our growing up years. In my case, that included flute lessons. I love sharing my gift of music. But.
To receive a compliment
I struggle with compliments—not the giving but the receiving. After I play a solo or duet in church, I often receive kinds words from others. Rather than receiving gracefully, I tend to mumble in embarrassment or put myself down by pointing out my mistakes, thus creating an awkward situation. I have to practice in order to receive well, which in a way is another way of giving.
Here are some tips:
- Express your gratitude by just saying, “Thank You.”
- Share the credit by acknowledging others.
- Quote from 1 Corinthians 10:31— “…all for the glory of God.”
To receive a calling
All for the glory of God. During my student years, I received a call to be a teacher, a calling I answered for four decades. But after my career ended, I asked, then what? I was healthy, able and willing to give, but to what purpose? As my readers know, it took me a while to find the answer to that question.
I waited, listened, and watched, eager to be ready to receive the call when it came. And it did. The call to write is a gift I never imagined. But I hope I’m receiving the gift with grace while sharing with others.
Link up with Five Minute Friday: https://fiveminutefriday.com/2023/01/12/fmf-writing-prompt-receive/
Carole, thank you for being generous with your gifts to bless me, others as well – writing, teaching, music, listening, encouraging, friendship, cheerfulness…..
I understand that dilemma of being able to receive – graciously. In the 3 tips you mentioned, I see giving in your receiving. It reminds me of Corrie ten Boone when she received awestruck comments/compliments, she supposedly took them as a bouquet of beautiful flowers and laid them at the feet of Jesus, who was the source of all she did and endured in the first place. Keep on keeping on, Carole❣️
Dear Arleen – What a wonderful image: flowers laid at the feet of Jesus. Thank you for your faith-filled encouragement! -C.D.
It’s true Carole, receiving is hard. I’m much better at it since I was taken to task a couple times by a mentor of mine. I wish I had a couple do overs as well (not in receiving again but in my response).
Thanks for sharing your experience, Gary. One of my mentors commented on my post today and gave me this tip: “…I see giving in your receiving. It reminds me of Corrie ten Boone when she received awestruck comments/compliments, she supposedly took them as a bouquet of beautiful flowers and laid them at the feet of Jesus, who was the source of all she did and endured in the first place.” Amen.
I appreciate your thoughts about why we often are generous with our gifts and time, but struggle to receive compliments. It’s a good reminder to let givers have the joy of their generosity by being gracious receivers.
Thank you for your comment, Ellen. Indeed, receiving well is another form of giving.