Have you ever been given a compliment only to say “no, that’s not true?” or given a present, but felt obligated to reciprocate it? Here’s another question: When you give someone a compliment or give them a present, do you expect anything in return? Don’t worry, I’ll answer it for you…aside from maybe a “thank you” or just to see the expression on their faces change to sheer joy, the answer is NO!
You rarely hear, “God loves a cheerful receiver.” Personally, I have always grown up hearing “God loves a cheerful giver” or “it is better to give than receive.” We teach our children to give, however, receiving is just as important as giving. If everyone was a cheerful giver and nobody was able to receive cheerfully, how would our world be? God gives us gifts, whether it’s a new job, a new house, a baby, or love. I have not met one person who did not want to receive a gift from God.
When I had my first daughter, Camille, my parents stayed with me for a month after she was born to try and help me out. My husband was in and out to sea getting ready for his deployment with the Navy, so it was just me. Now at that time, I was extremely stubborn and did not know how to accept help, so I treated my parents as if they were house guests on vacation. I didn’t want them to feel obligated to watch Camille while I slept the day away even though that’s what they were there to do. Well I got my way and let me tell you, when they left, I missed them and wished they were there just so I could take a shower. I was happy that they came to help me, but I was not a grateful receiver. I am a firm believer that God puts obstacles in your path for a reason, but He also puts people into your life to help you around those obstacles. Whether you choose to accept that help graciously is on you. Well when I had my second daughter, Kynsley, my parents came to help. Believe me, I accepted it graciously and gratefully. Not only did we have a new baby, but we were a few weeks from a military transfer. It was hard!!!!! Not only did my parents help with the baby, but they helped with Camille (who had just turned 2) and changed their travel plans to help us with the move from Florida to Maryland. I had no problem being a cheerful receiver!
It’s still hard for me to accept compliments, but accepting help from people or a gift from somebody has been a lot easier. I used to think that not everyone wanted the best for me and would only give gifts or compliments because they wanted something in return. I am not perfect though and I now try to believe that people are like me when it comes to giving. They are only doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. It is not always easy being on the receiving end, but God loves a cheerful receiver just as much as He loves a cheerful giver.
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