Receiving Generosity Without Shame

I sat on the living room floor last night, fighting back tears. I picked up one greeting card, then another, laying them out in a semi-circle around me. Life has been hard right now, but last night I was blown away by the care, encouragement, and support of the body of Christ.

I felt so loved.

I also felt guilty. Because life has been hard, I haven’t been able to give much in return. I didn’t feel like I deserved their generosity or had earned it.

This month at The Life, we’ve been meditating on God’s generosity and talking about giving generously to others. Another important discipline is receiving the generosity of others.

Pride and shame can prevent us from accepting the generosity others desire to give. When we push people’s giving away, it can feel like we’re doing something good, like we’re being humble and unselfish. But by trying to operate on our own, without help, we’re trying to be God. By rejecting others’ generosity, we deny them the joy of giving.

The most important generosity people are prone to rejecting is God’s generosity. Jesus freely gave his life so that we could be set free from sin and spend eternity with him. Will you accept this gift?

Paul was a great example of receiving well; first forgiveness from God, and then care from God’s people. Paul didn’t take advantage of anyone, but he wanted the churches he served to give so that they would be rewarded and blessed by God: “I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” With that in mind, he received their gifts, encouraged them in their giving, and helped them give to others who needed it (see 2 Corinthians 8).

What would it look like today for you to imitate Paul in this?

Lord Jesus, thank you for your generous gift of salvation. Help me to be open to what you want to give me, and to be humble when receiving from others.

Throughout this day: Today, is there anything you need to humbly receive from others? Comfort, financial help, practical care, or words of wisdom? Is there anyone you need to apologize to whose generosity you rejected?