Article June 29, 1992 Issue

Gracious accepting: an important part of healing

An appreciation for the goodness and the expressions of love we receive is essential to spiritual progress.

Winifred Copley Ivey

Many of us like to think we're thoughtful and kind and have attained a certain level of graciousness when it comes to giving. But are we just as gracious when we're on the receiving end? After all, receiving is usually easier than giving, right? Not always!

The art of gracious giving plays an important part in Christianity, as the book of Acts shows. There, speaking of Christ Jesus' teachings, Paul says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Giving and sharing make us more aware of qualities like kindness and consideration.

Yet hand in hand with giving is the need for gracious acceptance of the blessings we have received. Regardless of our human circumstances, there is always goodness in some form that can be acknowledged and appreciated. Since the real source of all good is God, it is important to give credit to Him and to welcome His goodness joyfully and gratefully. When we witness goodness in our lives, it is a tangible expression of God's omnipresent care.

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