What Is Your Preference?

For several years, my wife and I have enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles as a way to relax and keep our minds alert. Recently, we did a new puzzle entitled "This or That?" The puzzle was filled with sections asking the question of what you choose between two related items. Examples would be "pancakes or waffles," "milk or dark chocolate," "mustard or ketchup," or "coffee or tea." Altogether, there were probably about 50 different pairings.

One of those pairings caught my attention and has caused me to examine my answer and wonder if I, or anyone, should choose only one of the choices as a preference. The pairing was simply "give or receive." As a child, receiving is probably the most frequent choice. As an adult, giving is my choice without a doubt. One year my family asked me what I would like as a present for my birthday. I answered, "nothing." On the day of my birthday, they gave me three presents. The first one was a brick from our backyard that was a leftover from the construction of our house. The second one was a book that I was currently reading, and it still had my bookmark in it. They said that I had said that I didn't want anything. However, inside the book were two passes to the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament that was about a week away.

I have no problem giving gifts to others. I enjoy giving. However, receiving is difficult for me at times. I don't like to admit that I need something, and I can be embarrassed when receiving a gift or help.

Paul used a quote from Jesus that we do not have in the Gospels - "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Paul was emphasizing the responsibility we have to help those in need. As I think about those words, I realize that both giving and receiving are blessed. Giving allows us the opportunity to assist others in a variety of ways. Often, we look at a situation and determine that they have a need, and I have a resource that could help them. In those situations, God can open our eyes and our hearts to that need and enable us to become generous givers.

But have you ever considered that for someone to give, someone else must receive? Do we ever become so proud that we are unwilling to acknowledge that we, too, also have needs that would benefit from help outside of ourselves? That is one of the reasons that we should become open to sharing our needs during seasons of prayer requests that others might give to us as they pray for us. Receiving requires that we confess and eliminate pride from our lives and become the humble men and women that God has redeemed us to be through Jesus Christ.

The greatest giver is God Himself. His greatest gift was the gift of His own Son who took our place on the cross that our sins might be forgiven and that through faith in Him, we might receive the promise of eternal life. But God also welcomes our love and honor that we give to Him in our prayers, our faith, and our actions.

This week is a good time to be alert to the needs of others. Are there ways or resources that you can give that would help alleviate one or more of those needs? On the other hand, are there needs in your own life that you can humble yourself to be able to share those needs and thankfully receive help that might come your way?

Pancakes or waffles - waffles

Milk or dark chocolate - milk

Mustard or ketchup - depends

Coffee or tea - iced tea

Giving or receiving - I still prefer giving, but I am moving to be more open to receiving also.

Gratefully receive all that God gives and joyfully share His love and resources with those in need. Giving and Receiving are both vital elements of our lives in Christ.