[Faith-talk] FW: [URCTCPrayerGroup2] Learn to receive by Joyce Meyer

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: "Donna" <godsgirl54 at att.net>
To: <URCTCPrayerGroup2 at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [URCTCPrayerGroup2] Learn to receive by Joyce Meyer
Date: 
Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:22:23 -0500

Learn to Receive
by Joyce Meyer - posted December 23, 2011 


I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] . . . and you will be
a blessing [dispensing good to others]. -Genesis 12:2

Nothing frustrates me more than people who don't know how to accept
gifts. It's a joy to express my love or appreciation to someone by giving
them a gift I know they'll like. But if the response is "No, no, I can't
accept that," or "Really, you shouldn't have," or "No, take it back," then
that drains all the joy out of it. It becomes downright embarrassing if you
have to force a gift on someone. You may even wonder if you should have
offered the gift at all. 

Receiving a gift graciously stems from inner security. Those who are
uncomfortable getting gifts usually have some deep-seated insecurity that
prevents them from accepting others' kindness. They feel so low that they
can't imagine they deserve anything. Or they worry that the gift burdens
them with reciprocation. They would rather reject the gesture than have to
engage in a relationship.

In my life and work I have opportunities to give many gifts, and I also
get some. When I do, I genuinely appreciate it and tell people so. Be a
giver and expect God to bless you through others. When they do, say "thank
you" and graciously receive their offers. 

The greatest gift that can be given is offered to each of use every day,
yet few of us have the faith and self-esteem to accept it. God offers us
His love. All we have to do is open our hearts and make the decision to
receive it. Then we in turn get to pass it on to others.

Receiving God's love is an important step because we can't love others
without it. We cannot give away what we do not have.



Hugs,

Donna K



God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a
very present and well-proved help in trouble. Ps 46:1