Two Hands; One to Give & One to Receive

God Has Given Us TWO Hands

God has given us two hands- one to receive with, and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding-we are channels made for sharing. Billy Graham

God knew the importance of receiving as much as giving. It feels good to give and to help others when we can. But why does God also mention us receiving blessings back? This sounds a little too easy then- to give. Would some then give in order to get? That never works and actually wipes out the act of giving altogether. To give, in order to get, is more aptly named ‘making a payment’ and not a gift at all. (Paying something- for something else in return).

Most people know how important it is to give with a true heart of giving….but it isn’t so easy to accept or receive graciously when we need a little help.

I appreciate how God does two things in this verse…

1. Inspires us to give with a right heart and to graciously accept the blessings that will result.
2. Reminds us to trust- knowing that if we end up in a time in need- we too will be supplied. (…one who waters- will himself be watered.)

Receiving graciously can mean all kinds of things…it can relate to offering or accepting a meal in times of need, giving or receiving physical help if that is needed, it can even mean giving or receiving counsel as those needs arise. God knows how hard it is for some of us to accept graciously…but it too is so good for the mind, body, and soul.

One way to make accepting help, blessings, or care graciously is to think of it with the same understanding as with ‘giving’. The God that is in the heart of a true giver is the same God that is in the heart of the receiver. You wouldn’t dream of not giving when God inspires you. And in the same way, don’t dare refuse our God- who dwells in the heart of our givers- when we are on the receiving end.

WATER AND BE WATERED

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25

Faith Infused Living…Reaching Goals Higher!

Niccie Kliegl, CLC