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\u201cPraise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ<\/a>, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.\u201d Ephesians 1:3<\/a><\/p>\n Most women I know are excellent givers, but not always good at receiving. As I ponder this, I wonder if it\u2019s because of how God created us as helpers for our husbands, companions to our coworkers and friends, and even nurses for our kids when they\u2019re sick.<\/p>\n It comes natural for us to serve our families, contribute to our workplaces, and give of ourselves until we have nothing left to give. Yet, learning to receive is vitally important to our health and growth. It\u2019s part of who we were created to be – to receive every blessing we\u2019ve been given through Christ Jesus.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re an excellent giver but struggle to receive, I pray this post is of great encouragement to you. It is possible to receive with a joyful mindset, open hands of faith, and a heart of gratitude.\u00a0<\/p>\n When we read the verse in Acts 20:35<\/a> that says, \u201cIt is more blessed to give than to receive,\u201d we might assume Paul is telling the early church that receiving is bad. However, in the context of the entire chapter, we see that Paul is talking about covetousness and how he avoided this issue by working to supply what was needed for himself and his companions.\u00a0<\/p>\n What we believe about receiving matters greatly. If we have the mindset that we must always give, serve, and help but never get, be served, or be helped, we\u2019re going to run ourselves ragged and miss out on the blessings around us.<\/p>\n Many times, I\u2019ve witnessed my mom or mother-in-law busy in the kitchen while the rest of the family is enjoying time together. Usually, with a bit of coaxing, I\u2019m able to get them to stop and join the fellowship, but it\u2019s apparent their natural tendency is to serve.<\/p>\n In Psalm 34:8<\/a>, David said, \u201cTaste and see that the\u00a0Lord\u00a0is good; blessed is the one who takes. refuge\u00a0in Him.\u201d This passage invites us to partake of the Lord\u2019s goodness and take refuge in Him. It doesn\u2019t once mention giving, but instead, receiving.<\/p>\n Learning to receive starts with belief – the belief that God gives good gifts to His children and wants us to accept them with joy and thanksgiving. Pray and ask the Lord to change your mindset around \u201creceiving\u201d and begin to embrace the amazing blessings He pours out to you.<\/p>\n Here are more helpful resources for your journey:<\/p>\n Why Does the Book of Acts Say It’s Better to Give Than Receive?<\/a><\/p>\n A Prayer for Changing the Way You Think<\/a><\/p>\n 15 Things to Do If You Need a Change in Perspective<\/a><\/p>\n It can feel awkward when someone gives us a compliment or word of affirmation, especially when we\u2019re not good at receiving. Our tendency might be to say things like, \u201cOh, it\u2019s nothing, really,\u201d or \u201cIf only you knew the real me!\u201d But what could happen if we humbly received the kind words of others with sincerity and gratitude? Imagine how their words of affirmation would continue to bless us instead of being instantly dismissed and forgotten.<\/p>\n In the ESV, Proverbs 22:4<\/a> says, \u201cThe reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.\u201d This verse first emphasizes humility, but it also highlights the riches, honor, and reward we receive when we are humble before God.<\/p>\n Learning to receive requires humility – the kind of humility that accepts things from others with genuine appreciation. Instead of glossing over the act of kindness, or receiving it flippantly, we are intentional about pausing long enough to realize the graciousness of others and the blessings of God.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t always easy, but the more we practice humbly accepting what others give with a simple and sincere \u201cThank you,\u201d the better we\u2019ll get at receiving. So, the next time you\u2019re offered a compliment or unexpected act of kindness, pause for a moment before you respond. Look the person in the eye and let them know you truly appreciate them.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are more helpful resources for your journey:<\/p>\n What is Humility? Bible Meaning and Importance for Christians<\/a><\/p>\n Why We Need to Learn to Take Compliments Well<\/a><\/p>\n The Grace and Greatness of True Humility<\/a><\/p>\n Learning to receive well isn\u2019t going to happen overnight, but, fortunately, there are many times throughout the year when we can practice it. Holidays, celebrations, work gatherings, church settings\u2026 all of these provide opportunities to not only serve others but receive from them as well. This can be in the form of:<\/p>\n -Tangible gifts<\/p>\n -Awards and promotions<\/p>\n -Verbal compliments\u00a0<\/p>\n -Help with projects or tasks<\/p>\n -Wisdom, counsel, and guidance<\/p>\n In each scenario, we can learn to receive graciously without false guilt or false humility. Yes, it takes practice, but just like anything else, the more we do it the better we get at it. At your next gathering, be intentional about receiving. Don\u2019t let compliments slide. Don\u2019t downplay the promotion. Don\u2019t reject the help people offer. Be willing to receive what others are more than willing to give. Before long, you\u2019ll be an expert giver and receiver!<\/p>\n Here are more helpful resources for your journey:<\/p>\n 6 Ways to Seek Wise Counsel in Your Life<\/a><\/p>\n What James 1:17 Means By ‘Every Good and Perfect Gift’ is from Above’<\/a><\/p>\n It might seem counterintuitive to give more in order to receive more, but when it comes to gratitude, that\u2019s exactly how it works. In fact, have you ever prayed with open hands, waiting in eager expectation for what God has for you that day?\u00a0<\/p>\n This is a simple habit to incorporate into your personal time with the Lord, and as you do, you\u2019ll find yourself growing in gratitude for His abundant blessings. With anticipation, you\u2019ll seek His truth, His will, and His way and learn to receive the spiritual blessings He\u2019s already given you according to Ephesians 1:3<\/a>.<\/p>\n Remember, the Lord is a Giver \u2013 He\u2019s the Giver of life, love, and limitless grace. That means, as His daughters, we are to be receivers of His abundant life, eternal love, and endless grace. When we view receiving from this perspective, it will become wonderful and joyful for us. And the more lavish we are in gratefulness and praise to our good, good Father, the more eager we will be to receive daily gifts from Him.<\/p>\n It was John Wesley who said, \u201cThanksgiving is inseparable from true prayer; it is almost essentially connected with it. One who always prays is ever giving praise, whether in ease or pain, both for prosperity and for the greatest adversity. He blesses God for all things, looks on them as coming from Him, and receives them for His sake.\u201d<\/p>\n Let\u2019s learn to receive as we grow in our gratitude to the God who loves us and blesses us with every good thing. Let\u2019s practice receiving with sincerity and pause. And let\u2019s humbly accept the kindness others offer by believing in the goodness of both giving and receiving with joy.<\/p>\n Here are more helpful resources for your journey:<\/p>\n 4 Ways Gratitude Can Change Your Mindset<\/a><\/p>\n There\u2019s a Good Reason for Gratitude<\/a><\/p>\n The Attitude of Gratitude<\/a><\/p>\n Photo Credit: \u00a9iStock\/Getty Images Plus\/Tom Merton<\/span><\/p>\nIt Starts with Belief<\/h2>\n
It Requires Humility<\/h2>\n
It Takes Practice<\/h2>\n
It Grows with Gratitude<\/h2>\n
LISTEN: Overcoming Fear in Marriage<\/h2>\n