Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality. 2 Corinthians 8:13-14
Politicians and governments often want to legislate for equality but it doesn’t work. It only works when people voluntarily give of their “plenty” and receive for their “need.” So there are two parts, first, it’s necessary to have those who are willing to give of their plenty. But second, it’s equally necessary to have those who are willing to receive. We often assume there is no equality because people are unwilling to give, but maybe this is only partly true. Sometimes people are unwilling to receive.
Are we good receivers? Compliments, gifts, expressions of appreciation can leave us feeling uncomfortable rather than blessed. Receiving puts us in the place of vulnerability. Somehow receiving makes us feel we aren’t complete in ourselves. To need someone’s service suggests that we are somehow lacking and inadequate. It might even make us feel incompetent or dependant.
Jesus was a good receiver. He accepted the gift of anointing, he accepted a leper’s thankfulness, and he accepted his Father’s affirmation, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).
We may need to learn to receive. Receive the gift of service that others offer us, receive encouragement, affirmation, and most importantly receive our Father’s love. Not just acknowledging his love with our mind but truly open ourselves up to receiving it into our hearts.
We not only rob others when we won’t receive from them but we also rob ourselves of the blessing God wants us to have.
