The Power of Giving and Receiving
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Sep 23, 2023
- 2 min read
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (Romans 12:13)
I recently heard a powerful testimony from a member of our church who experienced firsthand the blessing of giving and receiving. She told me that a fellow church member who felt led by the Lord came to bless her with a financial gift. Initially hesitant to accept, she tried to refuse the money, but the sister insisted, explaining that her obedience to God depended on her giving. Reluctantly, our church member accepted the gift. The story doesn’t end there. The person who gave said that it significantly affected the faith of her and her husband and they have found it to be one of the most impactful experiences of their lives.
The truth is, when we give to others in their time of need, we set in motion a chain reaction of God's provision, blessings, peace, and power. It may not always be about the amount or the need itself. We can try to convince ourselves that another person doesn’t need any more money or that we have a greater need. That’s not the point. The point is about being obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and showing love and care for others through our acts of faith.
As we cultivate a lifestyle of giving, we align ourselves with God's heart and His desire to bless His people. It may be a financial contribution, a helping hand, or simply a word of encouragement. We are called to sow the love of Christ and serve as a tangible expression of His power and provision through daily interactions with others.
We must listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and be open to being vessels of God's blessings. As we distribute to the necessity of saints and practice hospitality, we participate in God's divine economy, where abundance flows and lives are transformed.
Practical Application
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and openness to receiving. Sometimes we may be hesitant to accept help or blessings from others. Remember that receiving is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity for others to be blessed through their giving. When we actively engage in both giving and receiving, we participate in God's divine economy. We become channels through which His love and provision flow.
