Why Receiving Help Can Be Harder Than Giving It
John Cunningham is a friend of mine and a brother in Christ, and he can help you with financial decisions and future planning.
Receiving Is Hard
Play the original Excel Still More episode here without leaving the article.
The principle
We need clarity, a vision, and I'm hopeful that these four terms can help, that you can reference back to them throughout the year. And if you did nothing else this year except grow in these four things, it would have the potential to change enough relationships in your life to change your level of commitment to make it the best year you've ever had.
So let's recap the three action terms we've covered so far, and then we will introduce this final one.
The deeper lesson
We started with giving, monetary, physical, literal giving, being ready to share with people, establishing a budget in which to share, giving of your goods, of your time, of your money to serve the will of God. And I truly hope that as you get to the end of January, you did set aside some time and energy and money, and you're preparing to do so again in February.
And yet, as I titled this episode, for many of us, especially givers who are growing and who want to make the most of their lives in Christ, receiving can be very hard for us.
What it changes
This idea that if I let them do something nice for me, now I am responsible to do something nice for them. Or they are doing something kind for me because I've already done something nice for them, and so now it's my turn again, and it becomes this strings-attached, merit-based obligation business, and nobody enjoys that.
Amadeo mentions that people who feel that way may have, in their youth, only been rewarded by their parents when they had done something good, like gotten a base hit or good grades, or in order to get something back from them in the future, instead of just an act of love because of who they are.
Live it today
In later letters, that same author said that elders are worthy to receive honor, double honor if they are someone who is teaching others. They are worthy to receive wages for their work if a church decides to do so, and they are worthy to be honored and appreciated for what they do.
The chief givers in the church are also, by God's design, to be receivers of support, encouragement, and help.
Take the idea with you.
- 01Where do I see the problem or opportunity described in “Why Receiving Help Can Be Harder Than Giving It” in my own life?
- 02What Scripture or spiritual principle in this study most needs my attention?
- 03What one specific change can I make this week to put this teaching into practice?
Prefer listening?
The original episode player is available near the top of this article, so you can listen without leaving the page.