How 'Free' Are You In The Giving & Receiving of Gifts

Ephesians 2:8-9 & Matthew 10:5-8

Are you a reluctant giver and maybe even a reluctant receiver? God can make you both a cheerful giver and a cheerful receiver.

Soul Food

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

- Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

• Matthew 10:5-8 (NIV)

Soul Search

• When you receive a gift from someone, do you immediately feel like you have to return the favor?
  Can you explain why you feel that way?  

• Even though the Bible says that salvation through Jesus is a free gift from God, do you feel like you have to ‘earn’ your salvation by doing good works for people or by demonstrating your gratitude to God in some other way?  

• Do you ever give gifts to people and carry an expectation that they will do something for you in return or with the expectation that they will return the favor by giving you a gift?
  Are you able to freely give to others without the expectation of anything in return?
  Why or why not?  

Soul Moves

• Ask God in prayer to help you receive from Him and from others freely.
  If you regularly feel like you have to ‘return the favor’ somehow, ask God to show you why and to help you receive without having to do anything in return.   

• Examine your motivations for helping people or for demonstrating your devotion to God.
  Are you trying to ‘earn’ your salvation?
  If you think you are, practice stopping the behaviors that reflect your desire to pay back God. You can never pay Him enough so stop trying.   

• Take a close look at why you give to others.
  Are you able to give to others without any strings attached?
  If you do find that sometimes you give with expectations, ask God to show you why and ask Him if He is wanting to change something in you.