Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:00 — 4.1MB)
Present-Day Proverbs can become good reminders of keeping a Jesus attitude in our lives.
Recently I was introduced to this Present-Day Proverb: Give without remembering; receive without forgetting. Now, this one makes you pause a minute to get the full impact. Give without remembering—that means have a servant heart that delights in giving and does it without even thinking about getting something in return.
Paul wrote this to the Corinthians: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Whatever we give—money, time, expertise, a listening ear—should be given joyfully without expecting anything in return—just for the sheer joy of giving. God loves a cheerful giver. That’s important to remember, is it not? When you and I give without remembering, from a servant heart full of joy, God loves it! And Jesus told us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I’m coming to understand that and experience it more than I ever have before. I wish I had caught on sooner, but the truth is, if you want to really have some fun and feel good and be blessed, just give something to someone who needs it. And that is especially true when you give without remembering!
Then “receive without forgetting.” Do you remember the story of the time Jesus healed ten lepers? The men were outcasts because of their disease, and they stood at a distance calling out to Jesus, “Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, Jesus healed them of their leprosy. How big a gift was that? But only one of the ten, who was a Samaritan, not even a Jew, came back and threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him, but not the other nine. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:11-17).
It’s hard to believe that those nine just took this incredible gift from Jesus and “received without remembering.” Jesus found it hard to believe also. You and I as Christ-followers should be thankful people who never forget to say thanks for what we receive—from God and others. Truly thankful hearts should be our hallmark—and it should be expressed as often as possible.
Give without remembering and receive without forgetting. I hope that present-day proverb sticks in your mind.
[We have created Present-Day Proverbs cards as a helpful reminder. If you would like to download them click here or call (630-462-0552) us to receive them by mail.]