Here is how one insightful person says we should respond when we receive a gift: 1) Receive it gratefully. Offer sincere thanks to the giver. 2) Accept the gift graciously—Show respect for the giver—no matter what the gift is. 3) Accept the gift gracefully–Recognize that it was from another’s hand that you received it. Well, here is what we find in Deuteronomy chapter 31 on how Moses told his people to express their special gratitude to God. “At the end of every seventh year, the Year of Release, during the Festival of Shelters, you must read this Book of Instruction [Book of Deuteronomy] to all the people of Israel when they assemble before the Lord your God at the place he chooses. Call them all together—men, women, children, and the foreigners living in your towns—so they may hear this Book of Instruction and learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully obey all the terms of these instructions.” So in this ancient society, God wanted every person to gather, listen, learn, and obey Him because of all the rich blessings He had given them. Well, it’s still true, we show our gratitude to God when we gather, listen, learn, and obey Him.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
