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"What happened to 'it's more blessed to give than receive'?" you wisely question.
I can understand your thinking as A Christmas Carol and visions of the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge transforming into a joyful giver come to mind.
But, before you dismiss William Willimon's quote consider it in light of these and then see if it makes more sense.
John 3
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -- Jesus Christ
John 4
10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
John 14:27
27"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -- Jesus Christ
John 10
28"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." -- Jesus Christ
Romans 8
32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 6
23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 2
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
As II Corinthians 9:15 declares,
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"
So be a joyful receiver of God's wonderful goodness!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
3 comments:
It's something we've lost, the understanding of how to be gracious receivers. I think it comes down to an overwhelming sense of pride - only the 'unfortunate' *need*. And we are raised to never show weakness, to never show our needs.
And yet, the most important thing in the entire universe is something we have to be given. Something we have to receive, willingly and graciously. *sigh*
Thank you for the reminder.
Amber, great points! Reminds me of this quote from John Wesley that was in an article I read about this topic, "Nothing is more repugnant to capable, reasonable people than grace."
I suppose this is why people are busy trying to earn God's favor. Grace is like charity and people's pride says, "Nope, we don't accept charity."
Achelois, your are very welcome. :)
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