Family Is To Give And Receive
Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
-- Proverbs 16:18
How much pride do you have? We think of pride in a job well done. We consider those who are haughty with pride because of their family name or money. We remember those who have pride in their children, their business, their homes and other possessions.
But what about when our pride, our determination to do it alone, keeps others from helping us when we really need the help? It is so much easier to give than receive. We know that. But there is a season for both.
A sweet family I know is dealing with an unexpected death and funeral expenses they weren't prepared to pay. This follows a six week illness and travel to and from a hospital three hours away. The bills have mounted even as they've had to miss work again and again. They need help but are reluctant to accept it.
They have asked for contributions toward the funeral rather than flowers. They are selling personal items. And they are refusing help from their church. Pride is such an awful thing sometimes.
We are helping anyway, those of us who care. We were horrified that they were going to provide their own food for after the service. Nope. Not at our church. We do that for our church family. They are grateful and amazed. How can they not know how much we care?
And we are giving them money, little bits at a time. They need it and we will contribute what we can in such a way that they can't say no.
Here's the thing about our church family: Everyone needs sometimes and everyone gives sometimes. That means that right now is their turn to receive. Later on, they'll have the opportunity to take food or give money or whatever someone else needs. It's just how family works.
No comments:
Post a Comment