Receive

I have heard the phrase, “It more blessed to give than to receive” my whole life. I was taught at an early age to give. I think generosity is one of the most fun things to do for others, especially when they don’t see it coming. Giving can be great fun and I believe it’s a natural response to the generosity of God. “For God so loved the world that He gave….” When I’m the recipient of someone else’s gift, it’s not so easy to receive. When someone gives me a generous gift, it’s almost embarrassing. I’m so grateful, but at the same time, I can’t help but feel undeserving. I’m remembering a gift given to me a few years ago and I came home and told my wife. We were both astounded when we opened the envelope. I was speechless. I was so grateful. I am still glowing from that gift several years later.

I love the connection of Jacob and Esau. They were somewhat estranged brothers. Jacob had tricked Esau out of his birthright and then deceitfully stolen his father’s blessing. It appears that they had not seen each other since then. Family quarrels are deeper than most. Family is known more intensely than others.

Jacob is afraid of how things would go when they are on course to meet each other. Jacob learns that Esau has 400 men with him. He assumes the worst for sure. He decides to send gifts of goats, sheep, camels, cows. He sent small herds of each! His gift was designed to shock and bless Esau for sure. When they finally meet, Esau pushes back on the gift. He has plenty and doesn’t necessarily need Jacobs gift. It seems to me that Esau had forgiven his brother for the past. Check this out….

¹⁰ But Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God! ¹¹ Please take this gift I have brought you, for God has been very gracious to me. I have more than enough.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift. (Genesis 33:10-11 NLT)

I must learn to be a more gracious recipient of gifts and blessings from others. I must learn to humbly accept the generosity of others. (It’s easier said than done.) It often feels so undeserving. On the other hand, I love giving gifts that are underserved. I just love blessing others. I think it’s my pride that prevents me from being a gracious recipient of another’s generosity.

A gift that is given is really not a gift until it is received. I am robbing another of the joy and fun of giving, if I’m too prideful to accept their gift. I’m super grateful for the gift that God gave in His Son. I’m thanked Him many times. I still want to grow and expand in generosity, but I also want to grow in being a gracious recipient of others generosity toward me.

Pressing On!

Dwayne