Grace With a Taste of CinnamonSample

Grace of Receiving

To learn to give generously, one must first let himself receive sincerely.

For us, it’s easy to talk about the importance of giving, but it’s often harder to receive. Sometimes we accept help or a gift, feeling embarrassed as if it is a sign of weakness. But, in fact, the ability, or we can call it the skill of receiving, is a part of love.

God created us to be non-self-sufficient beings, but the ones who have needs. All that we have – life, relationships, salvation – we have received as a gift. And when we receive with gratitude, we admit that everything is grace.

Receiving doesn’t mean being passive. It’s an act of humility that opens up a heart for relationships. As love is not a competition of who gives away more, but a movement of mutuality – one gives, the other receives, and in this interaction, both parties grow.

When we learn to receive gifts – without judging, without rejecting, without diminishing – we learn to receive God Himself. For His love cannot be bought or earned but only received with a heart wide open.

Steps of Love

Let these steps of love help you today to receive with gratitude and trust:

• When someone gives you something, receive the gift with joy, without diminishing his/her gesture.
• Thank this person not only with your words – hug a giver, write or text a few nice words, let him/her feel your gratitude and joy.
• Receive God’s grace in prayer – remember, you do not need to “earn” His love – it’s already yours.