Receiving to Give

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 (New International Version)


We cannot give away what we do not first possess for ourselves and we cannot possess what we first do not receive. Paul stated this in relationship to his receiving and then passing on to others, the gospel message of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. I, too, never shared the gospel with an individual until after I had received it for myself.

This morning, I am pondering the things I pass on to others because I have received them myself. I listen when another speaks to me because I have had others give me their undivided attention. I forgive and give others a second chance because forgiveness has been extended to me. I ache for the hurt of others because I have had individuals come along side me in times of darkness and pain. I hug another in greeting because arms have welcomed me in ways that hugged my soul as well as my body. I encourage another in their faith because people have so graciously and consistently encouraged me. In other words, I pass on what I first received. I demonstrate what has been shown to me.

This idea of passing on what has been received is one of God’s kingdom principles. It is the way He has designed the Christian life to be lived. It honors Him as it helps others. I thank Him this morning for the people He has used in my life. They have invested their time, energy, and wisdom and I do not want to live as if it were all in vain. I want their actions to bear fruit beyond the branches of my life. I want their kindnesses to be multiplied as I duplicate and imitate them.

When Jesus fed the 3,000 and then the 5,000 he started with a small lunch of fish and bread. He handed to His disciples what was handed to Him. They then distributed to others what had been given to them. Our words and actions are part of the receiving and giving principle. May we learn to be receptive receivers and generous givers.

Father, thank you for all that You have given to me either directly or through the lives of other believers. May my life be one that keeps passing on what I have received. Amen.

Jesus You're Beautiful - CeCe Winans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz8FSUNFXHM

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.