4:155 – Balancing Giving and Receiving

#faithbites #faithjourney balancing

Setting

I’m struggling this morning. Last night, I blew up a little bit at the kids and had to get away for a bit. It wasn’t just one thing but a culmination of many things from many people. It boils down to giving and receiving. We know God loves a cheerful giver and it’s much better to give than receive. At the same time out individual needs need to be met. God also says that what you send out will be given back to you. While you don’t give to receive, it’s part of the cycle. I guess last night was just the straw that broke the camel’s back. And today, I feel guilty about it. My best friend said my emotions are valid, now comes to how to get better at balancing.

Today’s Questions: If you are a giver, how to you balance the giving and receiving? If you are a receiver, how to you give back?

Scripture

• Deuteronomy 16:17 – Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.
• Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Reflection

We also know that we should give freely and those who give will receive and those who hoard will suffer (Proverbs 11:24-25). The question is still how do we balance? If we are natural givers, how to we let our needs known in a way that doesn’t sound like tit for tat? How do we let others know our love language in how we want to receive. Something to remember is giving isn’t just about money or gifts, it’s about love, affection, touch, acts of service, and so much more. Sometimes it’s just listening to someone and saying, “I’m here for you” or “I love you” or “Your feelings are valid”.

I honestly don’t have the answer on this balancing act of life. I know God does and wish he would just tell me. It could be he is telling me but I’m not listening. It’s soemthing that I need to pray on and listen to him and not my hurt or my analytical mind. (And yes, y will be ok. As I know God loves me and only wants the best for me)

As we close, remember it is awesome to give and it great to receive. We need to make sure we strike that balance to ensure everyone’s needs are met and we following God’s will.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for your Word. It truly is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Sometimes we all struggle with balancing giving and receiving. Help us to know when to give and when to take. Let us do both with love and open hearts. There can’t be a giver without a receiver nor the other way around. We pray that you help us find the right way to give and receive to meet the needs of those around us. We pray this in your name, Amen.