We come from rather large families with 3 and 4 siblings. When we were young, we enjoyed trying to trick anyone else in the family. One trick we tried often was to take a stick of gum out of the inner wrapper, chew it, and offer the flat empty wrapper to someone as if we were kindly sharing a second stick of gum with them. We learned the trick by being tricked ourselves, so we felt obligated to share this new information with everyone in the family. From that point forward, we would reject the gift of gum from a sibling and get a stick of gum for ourselves from the package.
The word receive reminds me of gift-giving. When I am offered a gift, I receive or reject it. Gift-giving overflows from relationship. Trust, belief and faith in relationship create a willingness to receive. As I believe God’s character and expect His faithfulness, I want to receive His grace. Receiving proceeds from expectation as a humble response.
From a young age, we learn to “do it ourselves” and earn by our own efforts. Toddlers learn to seek applause from parents. Students learn to gain positive or negative attention from teachers. Teenagers learn to attract affection from peers. Adults learn to impress others and achieve status. We believe self-sufficiency displays our worth. But earning is not how God’s grace functions.
Society tells us that earning is the most important thing. The Bible tells us that God’s grace is a free gift to be received in faith. God plans to initiate, strengthen, renew, and complete all that He purposes in His children. Yet, we often refuse God’s grace because we think reliance on God indicates weakness. Earning, instead of receiving, prevents us from living in the place of faith and rest in Jesus.
Because of Jesus, we are able to receive God’s grace.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NCV)
Since we have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has gone into heaven, let us hold on to the faith we have. 15 For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin. 16 Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.
When we come to the throne of grace, we receive. We do not come to boss, demand, dictate, justify, plead or whine—only receive what God offers—His perfect mercy and grace for our needs. This is a beautiful place of humility and trust.
Scripture tells us that God gives every good gift and supplies all our needs.
James 1:17 (CSB)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Philippians 4:19-20 (CSB)
And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
God knows all we need and gives freely according to His love and purpose.
Throughout life we can receive or reject. As we respond to God, His grace overflows and exceeds all we can ask or think (Eph. 3:20) and gives all glory and praise to Him (Rom. 11:36). We find overwhelming hope, joy, and peace as we receive God’s grace with a heart of trust and belief.