Freely you have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:8b
I have had a tendency to read this statement with an emphasis on the second half; freely give. In doing that, I developed the idea that Jesus was describing the disciple's receiving in a slightly negative light. As if Jesus was intimating with a sidewards glance, "it's high time you stopped taking and started giving."
That, of course, is far from the truth. God is exceedingly generous with us. He was saying two important statements in the correct order - you must receive in order to give - and you MUST give. Christ never stops giving.
The disciples, to there eternal credit, were very good at receiving freely. Many of those around Jesus got this well. If they were sick, they received healing. If dead they received life (not that Lazarus or the child had any say on the matter) if defiled, they received cleansing, if possessed, they received deliverance. All followers of Jesus trust in a giving God and live under an open Heaven.
May you receive as freely as you are supposed to give!
Grace & Peace
Chris
1 comment:
you don't know me ,But I'am a friend of Adam a revolution Hawaii minstary member these days I liked what you had to say freely give and freely receive I think that in my own life i have seen my self give more then ever before no matter how big, or small it may be I give even now I am giving money to a mission cause that we hope to be taking soon I pray that we have enough money and vans to do it I know with the lords help it can be done. Your words are most inlighting to hear thanks from a friend in christ Bree ps. pray that we do get van and the money to go and also support a child in need to get the chance to go to the place were we are doing the mission at which is a camp for diaddvantage kids who other wise would not be able to go to camp thank you so much.
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