A Branch In the Vine

What do you have that you did not receive? 1 Cor 4:7 NIV

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 NIV

Giving and receiving...isn't that what life is all about?

But it seems that some of us are better at receiving than giving. Others of us are better at giving than receiving. Both can be virtues, can't they?

Graciously receiving recognizes that we need...hugs, forgiveness, help, family, community. It humbles us. And it brings joy to giver and receiver alike!

Giving lavishly, even recklessly, also humbles us...love, forgiveness, words, money, goods, service. It proves that we don't really own what we have...we are God's stewards, His go-betweens! And it too brings joy to giver and receiver alike!

Let's simplify our lives and move into 2013 as both lavish givers and gracious receivers.

What might that look like in your life?

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Simple Living Keith & Kristen Getty

A rich young man came to ask of Christ "Good teacher, will you tell me What must I do for eternal life I've kept your laws completely." "Sell all you have, give to the poor Then heaven's treasure shall be yours." How hard for those who are rich on earth To gain the wealth of heaven

Now Jesus sat by the off'ring gate As people brought their money The rich they filled the collection plate The widow gave a penny "Now she's outgiven all the rest Her gift was all that she possessed." Not what you give but what you keep Is what the King is counting

O teach me Lord to walk this road The road of simple living To be content with what I own And generous in giving And when I cling to what I have Please wrest it quickly from my grasp I'd rather lose all the things of earth To gain the things of heaven

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