Christians should be familiar with the call to be servants, right? 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us “God loves a cheerful giver,” while Acts 20:35 admonishes “It is better to give than to receive.” It requires selflessness and sacrifice to be a giver. Let’s be people who give as the Lord has given so much to us. But, when we talk about receiving or asking for help, I can get a little squirmy. Who wants to be in a position where they need to ask for help? I’m sure you can think of a time you were in that spot. Christian community must do more than give; they must also be willing to receive.
I had a conversation with a friend recently about how they have a family member who, when invited over, won’t sit and enjoy dinner. They eat, then promptly get up to clean the dishes. They won’t simply receive. As she told me this story, I thought, “I’ve definitely done that.” So, I write this to encourage you and also as a means of preaching to myself. We’re going to talk about why it's uncomfortable to receive and why we should work through it.
Why We Feel Uncomfortable Receiving Help
If we’re in the receiving position, it usually means we have a challenge occurring in our life. Not many of us are eager to show others the messiness of our lives. What do most of us do when we are having guests over? Clean! Because heaven forbid someone know that we actually live in our own homes! It takes some emotional wall lowering to receive help and open the door to your messy home, mind, or life in general.
We also fear that we will burden others who already have burdens. Have you ever said to yourself, “They have too much going on. I don’t want them to help me too”? Another thought I’ve had is, “I should be able to handle this on my own.” I’ve got some oddly high expectations of myself sometimes. I’m guessing you can relate and I’m sure you can think of more reasons why it’s hard to receive.
Why We Should Receive Help
Receiving help is an act of humility. When we recognize that we cannot do everything on our own and rest in someone else helping us, it breaks down the façade of perfection we would prefer people to see. But when people truly know what’s occurring in our lives, we’ll find it can also bring deep connections. When we receive help, it allows others permission to do the same. We model for others a life of dependence on the people God has placed around us. We do the bearing burdens thing that Galatians 6 talks about. When we allow ourselves to receive, we live in God’s design for His people. I’d argue that if you never admit you’re in need, you’re in denial and robbing those around you of a deeper Christian community. These relationships are God’s gifts to us, showing His goodness and love. Don’t turn that away!
Now let’s be real, we are ALL dependent on others. We can’t do this life alone and we weren’t meant to do this life alone. We are called to serve and sometimes to receive. Let’s be people who not only serve one another in love, but who are willing to receive in humility. If you know someone in your life who won’t let you serve them, sit down and have a gentle but frank conversation with them about your desire to be the hands and feet of Christ. If you’re like me and need to humble yourself to receive, pray God will give you the humility to rest in it. You may even consider asking for a need you have. That instance or situation coming to mind as you read this...act upon it.
Receive God’s love through the people around you!
Meet the Author!
Danielle is a native Okie who stumbled into a life of creatively sharing the Bible. Danielle spent five years working at Museum of the Bible. She now works as the Director of Communications for Inspire Experiences and as a Digital Media Consultant for Voice of the Martyrs. She is also a student at Southern Seminary, pursuing a Masters of Arts in Theology. Danielle has a passion for the arts, specifically painting, and has a special love for her pup, Penny. She has been married to the man of her dreams, Caleb, for five years. The Smiths are proud members of Council Road and cherish opportunities to know and love God more through relationships and teaching in the body of Christ.