THE RECEIVER AND THE GIVER ARE ONE

“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any they are retained.”—John 20:23

A woman, carrying a gift of love, came to Simon the Leper’s house one day while Jesus was visiting.  She brought with her an alabaster flask of very expensive fragrant oil, and poured it over Jesus’ head while he sat at the table.  When Jesus’ disciples realized what was happening they began to complain that this very expensive oil had been wasted, and should have been sold for money and the proceeds given to the poor.  However, Jesus’ response to the complaint is relevant to us today.  He looked beyond the immediate needs of the day and praised the woman for giving and gave a lesson to the disciples on receiving.  Jesus identified with the woman when He said that she was anointing His body for burial, and that what she had done would be told wherever the gospel was preached as a memorial to her (Matthew 26: 6 -13).

To receive:

·         Do not be so caught up in the needs of the day that you miss what is actually happening and miss an opportunity to give, or to receive. 

·         Recognize the gift and what it means.

·         See the importance of the giver.

·         Be a gracious receiver.

  Prayer—Father, help us to give cheerfully and to accept graciously, in Jesus Name. Amen.