Learning to Receive
I’m really bad at receiving gifts. Maybe that sounds weird, but those of you that know me are probably nodding, wondering why I’m stating that like some big unknown; sometimes, I’m afraid, it’s painfully obvious.
But I’ve been learning. Learning because it’s also becoming painfully obvious that I’m inadequate on my own in so many ways, and learning because God has put a number of incredibly generous people in my life.
It’s strange, in a way, to be in a position like this - a position of receiving. Receiving requires trust, which I’m not good at, trust that there are no strings attached, trust in the genuine love of the giver.
It’s the position that the rest of the Body of Christ is in; the Body of Christ that I want to serve. They have nothing, these persecuted men, women, and children, and I want to give to them. But I’ll admit I hadn’t thought about what that must be like for them. It is hard, first to be in the position of needing, and second in knowing where to turn. So many give with ulterior motives, and I don’t want to be one of those. Perhaps that’s why it is such a joy to work with those I serve, and to personally gain their trust.
That’s what those that are giving to me have done. I have a feeling none of them - and there have been many recently - would want their names listed here. But if any of them are reading this, let me just say “thank you.” I don’t know how to say it better than that, but thank you for more than just your gifts. Thanks that I can trust you, and that I’ve seen the Body of Christ at work in you - an example of what I want to do with my service to that Body.