Learning To Receive
Romans 1:11-12: “Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you” (v.12, NCV).
“I’ll be praying for you as you recover from your dental surgery,” I promised my friend as she left our Bible study and headed for the clinic. She was the working mother of two preschoolers. I knew that the operation would severely affect her schedule and energy level for the next few days.
“Oh, you don’t need to bother,” she said with a smile. “I’ll be just fine. I don’t need your prayers.”
Some of us may believe that it is godly to give, but not to receive. When help, prayer or love is offered to us we become uncomfortable. We know how to give, to meet others’ needs, to nurture; but we do not know how to accept help. Learning to give take is part of growing; allowing ourselves to live a more balanced lifestyle. Author Robin Norwood, in her book, Women Who Love Too Much, writes, “As we give up the role of supernurturer, we make space for someone to nurture us.”
Paul realized that he could learn and gain from the people he loved and ministered to in the name of Christ. He did not feel like he had to do all the giving. He longed to visit them and receive help as well as give it.
Lord, help me to let down my false guards
and allow others to give and nurture me.
Copyright Joan C. Webb
For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com