5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:5-8

Much has been written about Jesus commissioning the twelve and what they were told to do and where to go. Interesting, though, is the last sentence in this passage: “freely you have received, freely give.”

It’s an interesting phrase in light of the last 20 years on the internet. People can be very generous with sharing their knowledge of subjects ranging from gardening to nuclear science. You see it in long form posts and video teachings. It’s like they’re practicing this verse.

But this verse is especially important for Christians to practice, whether through the use of their gifts or acts of charity.

Many of us, I’m afraid take in teaching over and over and over again (I’m totally at fault here) and have forgotten or neglected to give away freely.

Contrasted to that are the givers. They give and give and give until they can give no more. Sure they’ve received but their giving far outweighs what they’ve taken in. I’ve known many pastors and compassion workers who have done that, and they burn out quickly.

Both types of people are in a dangerous spot but for different reasons.

Take some time today to assess your giving ratio.

Are you over balanced in receiving?

Are you too far the other way in your giving?

Only you know where you need to balance out if any place at all.

Freely you have received, freely give.

**While writing this post I have not even considered money or finances in terms of giving, though the principle applies. Mainly I am referring to gifts and actions.