Receiving

Why is it so hard to receive from others with open hands?  Receiving from others is against living a life of individualism.  It is contrary to living a self sufficient/ sustaining life. We are taught that we must not be dependent on others, and are often thought of as weak or insufficient if we cannot provide for ourselves, what we need or want.  The ways that society teaches us to be prideful, leads to death.  The problem is that God opposes the proud, and gives grace to the humble.  God has called his people to a totally different philosophy or rhythm of life than society teaches us.

Acts 2:42-47 gives us an example how to live as God's family.

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

As God's chosen possession we are to care and provide for one another.  We need to receive from others not only with open hands but with an open heart.  God has called his people to live and care for one another, displaying to the world what it means to be a part of the family of God. Therefore choose life.