It is more blessed to receive than to give.

It is more blessed to receive than to give.

This may seem backwards to you. It certainly is the reverse of a very popular statement that the Apostle Paul attributes to Jesus in the book of Acts.

But is it ever more blessed to receive than to give?

I’ve lived in my neighborhood for years now. It’s pretty easy to think of ways I might be able to give and to bless other people. I feel good when I give. It gives me a chance to feel needed. 

I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. But the truth is… I don’t like having to ask for help or ask for something. I would rather be the giver!

Do you resonate with that?

A while ago I started to connect with my neighbor Myron. He lives in the house directly next to mine. There was a large drug operation happening in that house and after they were busted I met Myron.

He was the person who thought he was paying someone to be the property manager who was actually a drug dealer. 

Oops. 

Myron had a few choice expletives when he shared his feelings about the situation.

He also shared how he had just gone through a divorce, was feeling horrible about how little he got to see his kids and then mentioned how stressful his job was as a contractor. 

As he told his sad story, I felt this desire in me to serve him. Somehow, can I help Myron feel better about his situation? Can I give him something? Do something for him? 

As I was asking God these questions Myron said, “So you live here with a bunch of gals huh?”

“Yep! There are 5 of us,” I told him.

“Let me know if you need any help with your house, that’s what I do,” he said as he walked back into his house.

Of course, as a strong woman, I had this moment where I thought… uh, we don’t need help. We are capable and we have tools… and boyfriends for that kind of thing. 

Not more than a half hour later I was struggling to put together a heavy piece of equipment in my garage. 

I just wasn’t strong enough to do the job. 

And wouldn’t you know… there were no boyfriends, or wannabe boyfriends, available to help.

I admit, I was nervous to make the short trip next door and ask Myron if he was serious about helping me because I actually needed help RIGHT THEN.

He said yes and he was able to put together the equipment in 4 minutes. 

Why is it so hard for us to ask for help and to receive? 

Jesus sends out the disciples in Luke 10 and instructs them not to take anything with them they don’t need. No sandals, no purse, no extra food. He tells them to let strangers host them if there is peace between them. 

What if Jesus does want us to give, but wants us to learn how to receive first? 

My friend JD recently pointed out why Jesus might want us to receive from our neighbors. He said it helps us experience God WITH our neighbors, help us see our neighbors as partners not as projects and helps us see that self-sufficiency probably comes from pride rather than humility. 

Self-sufficiency isn’t a spiritual gift. 

It disconnects us from the very people we are wanting to grow in relationship with.

This week on The Neighborhood Crawl, I am going to ask you to try to receive from a neighbor. 

(A bunch of us have been doing “The Neighborhood Crawl” a simple way to be intentional where you work or live, Download the Map Here)

It may seem difficult to create a situation like this… but here are three ideas:

1. Choose not to have something so you can borrow it from a neighbor.

Perhaps an edger or other lawn equipment, a unique tool or object. 

2. Next time you need something, ask a neighbor first.

If you only need one more egg, or half a cup of sugar, ask first!

3. Ask a neighbor for advice

Ask where your neighbor goes to the dentist or gets their car fixed.

Give it a try and look for what God might be doing!