“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…” Romans 12:6a

Abusers, Refusers and Users

I think most of us enjoy giving gifts, but are we gracious receivers? I got to thinking about three different responses to gifts I’ve given over the years: the “Abusers”, the “Refusers”, and the “Users”. Let me explain.

The “Abuser”: I’ve given gifts to my neighbor’s kids who had so much stuff they did not appreciate or take care of them. I would see them laying out in the yard forgotten and abandoned, left out to get ruined in the rain. I would rather they would “re-gift” than to just disregard them. But, as a gift, it is theirs to do with as they please.

My great niece who lives out of state reminds me of a “Refuser”: Not long after she was born, I sent her a decorative pillow for her bed on which I had spent many hours doing all kinds of needlework recording her name, birth date, weight, etc., along with cute animals and flowers. On a visit to see her and her family, I did not see the pillow. She told me that her mother told her to stash it in her closet to keep it nice. I was disappointed that she could not enjoy it and be reminded of how much I thought about and loved her. Others may refuse a gift either because they feel unworthy or think it needs to be earned or paid back. I don’t think they realize the joy it gives to the one who was giving it.

Best of all is the “User”, like my friend and a mother of several small children for whom I had crocheted an afghan. What a blessing it was to me when months later I visited their home and found that afghan on the couch! You could tell it had been used, washed, and used some more! Right on!

All this made me think about the kind of gift receiver I am. God not only offers us the gift of eternal life and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit through His Son Jesus Christ, which I have gratefully received, but He has given me many other gifts that I have often not received well. I have been guilty of neglecting, refusing, or being fearful to use them, like the servant who hid his talent in the ground (Matthew 25:24, 25). How much joy it must give our heavenly Father when we receive His gifts and trust Him to use them.

He has given each of us gifts to be used for His glory and honor. What kind of gift receiver are you?

“Father, I may not know the best gift to give someone, but every good and perfect gift comes from You. Help me to be a good steward of each one. Amen.”