We All Receive God’s Love

The last year has brought unexpected circumstances for our family, and I’ve often found myself on the receiving end of help rather than the giving end I wrote about in my meditation. I’ve experienced generosity in many forms over the last few months, many of them without me even asking for assistance.

It’s hard to ask for help; it’s humbling, and I worry about what others will think. But this difficult time has helped me stay grateful for the many blessings still present in my life, and it’s made me set aside my ego again and again (apparently I need the practice).

In this season, I’ve been reminded that the labels we set up for one another—giver or receiver, first or last, enemy or friend, rich or poor—often get turned upside down in the kingdom of God. Rather than judging my neighbor or even putting them in a well-intentioned category, I can recognize that in Christ we all receive the richness of God’s love.

I haven’t seen the unhoused young man standing outside the grocery store in the last few weeks, and I hope things have changed for him for the better. If I see him again, I pray the grace I’ve experienced in the last year will inspire me to give generously, as God has given generously to me.