When I was little I had a pink Precious Moments Bible. I loved this Bible dearly and considered it a prized possession–not so much because I liked to read it…but more because of the pictures! On Sundays (generally during the pastor’s sermon) I would flip through my little pink Bible and find my favorite pictures.

Naturally, these pictures corresponded to verses (brilliant work, Precious Moments), so I decided my favorite verse was 2 Corinthians 9:7, which reads:

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

I’m not gonna lie…I think it was my favorite simply because the picture had puppies (see above), but nonetheless this verse has really stuck with me throughout the years.

The other night I was thinking of this verse and had a slight epiphany. If I may be so bold, I would like to assert that the verse should continue to read, “God also loves a cheerful receiver.”

This may seem a little counter-intuitive, or perhaps a little like, “Why would God need to love a cheerful receiver? Doesn’t everyone like to receive?” But to that I would answer that there can be a real sense of humility when you’re on the receiving end of a blessing. Giving feels good. Giving helps you feel like you’re part of the solution. And don’t we always maintain that “it’s better to give than to receive?”

Receiving can be a whole different beast. Receiving can take the humility to say, “God I need you. I can’t do this without you. Please help me and provide for me.” Personally, I think it can be hard to receive with a joyful heart–to receive and not feel in some way inadequate. With that being said, if we become “cheerful receivers” I think God will delight in our humble hearts and relish our faithfulness.