You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

I love to be the giver. Gift giving is my favorite expression of love. However, in this postpartum season–I’m in a different role. I’m the receiver.

My midwestern self tends to enjoy being self-reliant and independent. I like being able to handle things on my own, but due to the complicated labor and delivery of my daughter, I’m forced to rely on others to help me through my normal daily tasks. And that’s humbling.

In this season, I’m the receiver.

Here’s an important nugget of truth that God is showing me during this receiving season:

Being the receiver allows others the opportunity to bless you and gives them a chance to put God’s giving principles in motion for their lives!

The time, help, meals and gifts that I’ve given to others in the past has grown into a bountiful harvest of friendships. In turn, that community of friends came to my aid in a big way after the traumatic delivery of my daughter. Did I “plant those seeds” with the sole intention of reaping something in return? No, I planted them out of love for the person and love for God.

However, God is so good that when we follow His giving principles He always turns our obedience around and causes it to bloom into blessings. It’s fun to be the giver but it’s also God’s design that you take a turn being the receiver.

So smile and say, “Thank you” when that casserole shows up at your door. Write that heartfelt note telling your friend how helpful it was that they took your preschooler for a few hours! And then when your receiving season has passed, kick your giving season back into gear to bless the next person who needs to receive.

God loves to bless YOU AND OTHERS through your obedience to give.

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

Luke 6:38 NLT

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