Article January 9, 1965 Issue

Let Us Be Gracious Receivers

JULIA IRENE FITZGERALD

Most people accept the truth in Christ Jesus' statement as quoted by the Apostle Paul, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). But some may not know how much one is blessed through learning how to receive rightly and may not realize that it requires just as much love and unselfishness to be a gracious receiver as it does to be a gracious giver.

Many times one may limit himself in giving because he has not first learned to receive in the right spirit. Christian Science teaches that man, the reflection of God, Love, is the necessary recipient of Gods abundance of good and receives spiritually all that divine Love gives. Receiving graciously involves a high sense of giving, the giving of gratitude, which spontaneously recognizes God's infinite provision for man and always enriches one. In Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy we read (p. 3): "Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech."

As one sees that all good comes from God, who gives to all impartially, he is not tempted to be envious. Nor is he tempted because of pride, that false sense springing from egotism, to refuse gifts or help in various ways which he could rightfully use. When wisdom directs, one accepts these graciously, recognizing the good that originates in divine Love. Part of a hymn in the Christian Science Hymnal reads (No. 224),

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