Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. John 13:14
Intimacy in Giving and Receiving
For a gift to be a gift, it takes a giver and a receiver. Simple. Yet rare.
I've found that most people fall into one of two categories.
Many give freely but don't receive freely.
Many receive freely but don't give freely.
Maturity is open to both.
Want to bless someone? Just wash their feet.
Want to be blessed? Then have your feet washed.
If Jesus commanded you to wash my feet, then for you to be faithful, I must take off my shoes to allow you.
It's easier for me to wash others' feet than to have my feet washed.
I tend to be more of a giver since it takes less risk—and thus, less intimacy—than receiving.
Occasionally my gifts are rejected, but most are accepted, whether or not they've ever been used or appreciated.
But receiving—that's a more significant hazard for me!
It means I have to confess or admit I'm needy.
That's right; it signifies that I lack something and need someone else to provide for me.
"If you are not willing to receive, then you are “ripping off” those who want to give to you." T. Harv Eker
Receiving also calls for a deeper level of intimacy than giving.
That was true for Peter when Jesus washed his feet.
Like Peter, I must confess my incompleteness and unworthiness.
Seeing Jesus' display of service, Peter and the other disciples received a lesson and a blessing they shared with the world.
For a gift to go forth and multiply, there must be a receiver.
The most profound intimacy comes when you receive the gift of life from Jesus Christ. We then become both receivers and givers.
It takes two to make a gift a gift.
How do you view giving and receiving?
What is the greatest gift you have ever received?
Describe a time when you had a gift rejected.
How may you allow another's giving to be complete?
Lord, thank You for our gift of Your son Jesus. May we realize our role in our community as both givers and receivers of Your love, mercy, and grace. Amen