Humility in Receiving

Humility in Receiving


"I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” — Philippians 4:18 (ESV)


In our walk with God, we often focus on the importance of giving—how we can bless others and contribute to the needs of those around us. But there is also a vital role in receiving. It’s easy to overlook how essential it is to humbly receive, especially when we value independence or self-sufficiency. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:15-20 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of opening ourselves to receiving, not just for our own benefit, but also for the blessing of others.


The cycle of generosity is incomplete if the door to receiving is closed. Often, we close ourselves off from others’ help because we think we should handle everything on our own. But God, in His wisdom, works through people, and His provision often comes from unexpected sources. Philippians 4:18 shows us that Paul humbly accepted the Philippians’ gift as a fragrant offering to God, recognizing that it was not just a blessing for him but a means through which God provided. When we refuse to receive, we hinder that cycle. God expects us to be open-hearted, recognizing that what we receive is not only for our benefit but also a gift for someone else. When we receive, we complete the cycle of blessing, allowing it to flow both ways.


It's important to remember that God’s help may come from sources we don’t expect. The Philippians’ gift came at a time when Paul had no one else to turn to. Yet, in their generosity, they became instruments of God’s provision, even when others had not helped. We often expect help to come from certain places or people, but God’s provision knows no bounds. It may come through a friend, a stranger, or even someone we’ve never met. Joshua 5:12 reminds us that the manna from heaven ceased when the Israelites entered the Promised Land, showing that God’s provision may shift and come in unexpected ways, depending on the season.


Jesus Himself exemplified humility in receiving when He allowed the disciples to serve Him. In John 13:3-9, Jesus, the Savior, stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet, demonstrating that receiving, like giving, is an act of humility. Peter initially refused to let Jesus wash his feet, saying, “You shall never wash my feet!” (John 13:8). But Jesus responded, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Receiving from others, even from those we may feel “above,” is a spiritual principle. Humbling ourselves to accept what others offer is not only about the act of receiving but also about deepening our relationship with God and others.


Learning how to humbly receive is a practice that goes against the grain of self-sufficiency. But receiving is a gift from God, and when we open ourselves to it, we allow God to work through others to meet our needs. Humility in receiving is not just about accepting material gifts; it’s about acknowledging that we are part of a community where everyone plays a role. When we open our hearts to receive, we’re also positioning ourselves to give and bless others in return. As Paul said in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (ESV)


Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your abundant provision and for the people You place in my life to bless me. Teach me the humility to receive, to trust that Your help may come from unexpected sources, and to recognize that when I receive, I am also being equipped to bless others. Help me open my heart, knowing that the cycle of generosity is not complete until I receive. May I always give and receive with a grateful heart, knowing that all I have comes from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Scripture References:
Philippians 4:15-20, Joshua 5:12, John 13:3-9