Mary Hunt Webb (New Mexico, USA)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Luke 6:38 (NIV)
Although my mother worked full-time and we had few material possessions as a family, she was always generous with her time and helped those in need — without expecting to be repaid for her kindness. As gracious as she was at giving, she was not always gracious at receiving. I suspect that her pride may have gotten in the way at times.
While giving graciously is important, it is also important to receive graciously. Without willing recipients, we are limited in how we can share the time and gifts with which God has blessed us. I learned this lesson firsthand when I visited a church and a woman there offered me a centerpiece with a candle in it. I started to refuse because I already had so many objects like this at home. However, another woman whispered to me, “You may not need the gift, but she needs to honor you with it. Accept it for her sake.”
That important lesson taught me that in order for people to give there must be recipients who are willing to accept. If we deny another person the opportunity to share what they have, we also deny that person the blessings that come from giving. In both giving and receiving, let’s strive to be gracious.
I bless others when I receive their gifts graciously.
Those who have been generous to me
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