We have grown up hearing that it is better to give than to receive. We have heard it so often and for so long it has almost become a religious tenet. To say otherwise would be heresy let alone making us appear to be selfish spoiled bratty adults. But inside we all know how terrific it is to receive. Yes, it is good to give. It is terrific to give. But receiving is really satisfying.
God is a good Father. He is the best. He would not do something that would not be for our benefit and the most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world He gave us …” That makes us receivers. He, also enjoys receiving. Thus Psalm 107:1 and Psalm 136:1 admonishes us to “Give thanks unto the Lord.” Isaiah 42:12 tells us to “Give God praise.” This makes Him a receiver. He wouldn’t be a receiver if it wasn’t a good thing.
Actually giving and receiving are so interwoven it is difficult to sort them into something different. How many times have we given only to have been so rewarded internally for doing so that it outweighed what we gave? We received. It also works in reverse. When we graciously receive we give another person the same feeling of warmth we get when we give. Often receiving is a very unselfish act of care toward the giver.
God is a giver. We are givers. God is a receiver. We are receivers. Yes, it can be abused just like any good thing can be twisted into something harmful. But if we are reasonable fairly intelligent people we have to admit that receiving is great.
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 22, 2015
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org