These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions… “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
It’s better to give than to receive. This is something that I want to believe.
When it comes to gifts at Christmas, I’m fine not receiving more stuff and things.
I have begun finding more joy in helping my daughter think about what gift she would like to give her mom. I have been more excited about tracing my son’s hand on the card that says “To: Mom From: Your Family”
I’m beginning to believe it’s better to give than to receive.
While there is joy in giving gifts, we all tend to agree that Christmas is not primarily about giving gifts.
The truest of all truths has become another cliche slogan: “Jesus is the reason for the season.” I wholeheartedly agree!
In the midst of all the giving of gifts and remembering that Christmas is actually about the extravagant gift God gave, I struggle to hold in tension the truth that it is better to give than to receive.
You see, the Gospel believed is a gift received. And sometimes, I forget to receive the gift. I dwell on my sin rather than delight in my Savior. I get caught up in the work I have to do rather than focus on the finished work Jesus did. The Good News seems too good to be true when my soul is askew.
Of all life’s good things and better things, the Gospel is simply the best.
Yet, this Good News is a gift that must be given. This Good News is not to sit and get old. This Good News is meant to be told.
Giving this gift is simply telling God’s Story as it intersects your story, revealing God’s glory.
Giving this gift is one of those gifts that keeps on giving. The Good News gives mercy and grace, compassion and care, beauty and strength, forgiveness and freedom, purpose and power, love and life.
As Jesus sent out his disciples he urged them to tell others the Good News that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Jesus sent his disciples out to heal the sick and raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and drive out demons. And the reason why? Jesus simply states; “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:7-8)
If it is truly better to give than to receive, I want to freely give.
Challenge
- Would you rather give a gift or receive a gift?
- Who gave you the gift of the Gospel?
- Do you need to receive the Good News today or do you need to give it away?
By Tim Herset| Kalispell, MT