Don’t Refuse His Gifts

John Piper points out in Desiring God that it gives God joy to bless us and do things for us.. He wants all things to bring Him glory, and blessing those of us who are His children gives Him joy..

As a result, it’s important for us to seek what He has to offer us. This doesn’t mean he’s going to give us a new car and house on a whim. While He can and does often bless with material gifts, what He gives us of greatest value is spiritual blessings

But how can He have joy in giving to us? Let me share an example I’ve never forgotten.

Years ago my wife and I rented a small apartment from a wonderful, generous Christian woman named Mrs. H. We thought of her as our Pennsylvania grandmother.

I don’t remember exactly what she wanted to do for us this particular time, but I wasn’t comfortable with receiving her generosity. She may have treated us to a meal at a restaurant. Or she may have done something else to help us out.

I told her she didn’t have to do it. I’d been raised with the notion that it’s not good to become indebted to someone else.

She told me she wanted to do this certain thing for us. Gently she told me not to refuse a gift because it gave her a blessing to give it. It would be hurtful for me to deprive her of that blessing.

The lesson from this has stayed with me. It may be more blessed to give than to receive. But receiving graciously will bless the giver.

I’ve heard others express the same idea as Mrs. H. It’s indeed a godly attitude. Notice the Lord’s attitude in the following verses. He wants to bless you and me in ways we may not understand.

Hebrews 11:2b
…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Ephesians 1:3-6
3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Explore posts in the same categories: Christian Life, Helping Others, Thoughts from John

Tags: blessing, generosity, gifts

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