During Christmas, people say “it’s better to give than to receive.” However, many of us misquote what Jesus actually said. In chapter 20 of the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul quotes Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” “More blessed” is very different than “better.” To be blessed means to sanctify a person or thing for a sacred purpose — to be made holy.
Giving and receiving is much more of a spiritual practice than we realize. It is a blessing to give and receive. When we live God-centered lives, our giving and receiving has a tendency to work in tandem; one complements the other. When we live self-centered lives, our giving and receiving has a tendency to work against each other; we compare one versus the other. The key to giving and receiving is what lies in our hearts. Are we doing it for the greater glory of God, or are we doing it to for the benefit of me and to elevate myself above others?
When our giving and receiving is God-centered, we are demonstrating the virtues of generosity and gratitude — key components of living a stewardship lifestyle. Most people who receive a gift say “thank you,” and then they usually show or share the gift with others. This is the way God made us — to be grateful and generous. Their attitude toward giving and receiving is different than someone who is self-centered. They are gracious in both giving and receiving, especially receiving. Have you ever given someone a gift and their response is so gratifying that it elevates you?
On the other hand, have you ever given someone a gift and they respond with ingratitude or take the gift for granted? These are symptoms of someone who may be more self-centered. How we receive a gift can be just as uplifting to the other person as it is for them to give the gift.
For a gift to be received, it has to be opened and used. How many times have you “regifted” something by someone who was truly sincere in their giving? Regardless of what the gift was, this is not a charitable way to treat someone. Or have you ever received a gift and not opened it?
Now think back to Christmas Mass. In every homily, we all heard that we received the greatest gift that God could ever give us — the gift of His Son, Jesus! Have you opened that gift yet? Have you opened your heart to let Jesus in? If not, what is holding you back?
God created us to be in relationship with Him — for us to love Him as much as He loves us. Receiving Jesus into our hearts is the best gift that we can give back to God.
David Baranowski is the director of stewardship education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He and his wife are parishioners at Assumption in south St. Louis County.