Tuesday; October 22

Over the last few days we have been looking for a place to take relief supplies to the Southeast part of the U. S.  First, let me tell you just how impressed I am of our fellow Americans.  You might not believe it, but in just about every instance people – especially churches – are saying they are filled to overflowing with stuff.  Many of them say they could use workers, but most of them asked that we didn’t bring supplies to them.  Folks, that is incredible news and highlights the generosity of our neighbors! 

As I went through this process it did provide me with a reminder of how important it is to be both a giver and a receiver.  So often, we focus on the need to give, but there is another side to this equation.  To enable giving, we must be willing to accept the gift.  Many of us grew up in a time when it was uncool to accept something from others.  Some of us were taught that accepting charity was a sign of weakness.  

As I thought about this, I was reminded of something that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi.  After recounting the gifts they sent to him, he remarked, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”  (Philippians 4:17).  In essence, to be a good player, he took one for the team and accepted the gifts they gave him so that they could feel good about what they did for him. 

I am thrilled that people have responded to the needs of the modern crises.  Additionally, I am thankful that people are graciously accepting gifts so that others – many of whom they don’t know and will never meet – will be able to live out the words of Christ, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35).  Let’s keep the cycle going.  When we do, we’ll all feel both sides of the love formula – giving and receiving. 

Think About It!

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