Giving and Receiving!
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven – John 3:27 What a wonderful truth this passage gives us! John’s disciples were jealous for his reputation. They came to tell John that Jesus was baptizing people and his crowds were getting larger. John responded and said, a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. What can we learn from this:
- Everything we have begins with God and comes from God- Colossians 1:15-17
- We can only give what we have- Matthew 10:8
If I have no money then I can give no money, unless I am the government (:
If I have no love then I can give no love!
This refers to influence, money, wisdom, possessions, forgiveness, etc…
- Some people have little to give because they have received little from God-Luke 7:41-47
This is often a case of perspective. Yes, I understand a person’s perspective is their reality but we are guilty of a wrong perspective at one time or another.
The reality is that God has given us more than we deserve especially in Christ! We did not deserve Christ but he chose to die for us, the just for the unjust, that we might be made righteous through him. 1 Peter 2:21-24/2 Corinthians 5:21
The reality is, we have been forgiven much and therefore should be able to forgive much. We have been given much love and should be able to give much love.
Too often Christians think material possessions are more valuable than spiritual possessions but they are not. Luke 16:11
- Some people have received little because they weren’t willing to receive all that God was offering-Psalms 81:10
God has offered salvation to all men but not all men want it. If a person refuses that gift he has refused the most important gift. Jesus said, what shall it profit a man, if he gained the whole world and lose his own soul?
Some people who have received the gift of salvation don’t take advantage of his other gifts. Such as the Bible, Prayer, Fellowship with God’s people (In the church).
- Some people have received little because they are not faithful with what God has given them-Luke 16:10-11
Why would God give you more if you are not thankful for, or faithful to what he has already given you? If he has given health, a brain, and opportunity to work and serve him and you refuse then He is not obligated to give you anymore.
- If others have more than God gave it to them-John 3:27
Regardless of what you think, you may think they don’t deserve it, apparently God did. You may think they got it unethically, if so God can take care of that as well. Do you believe God knows best? Do you believe God is just? Than why worry about someone having more than you?
