Sermon On Gracious Acceptance

Alexander “Sandy” McCall Smith, a British writer once remarked: “Gracious acceptance is an art – an art which most never bother to cultivate. We think that we have to learn how to give, but we forget about accepting things, which can be much harder than giving…. Accepting another person’s gift is allowing him to express his feelings for you.” John 6:37 reminds us: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

Gracious Acceptance is said to receive something in a polite or kind manner. It portrays gratitude and appreciation to the giver for their unselfish and thoughtful attitude. As we approach the season of goodwill for another year, we may well be fortunate enough to receive a present from our own family or friends. However, it is also a time to remember God’s ultimate present to us by the gift of His Son for our salvation. Unfortunately, not everything that is received is always to an individual’s taste, and rejection of a gift, especially the love of God, can cause much sadness in many a true Christian’s hearts.

There is little doubt that a present is usually given with generosity, fondness or love with the best of motives. Judgment of another’s actions or good intentions should never occur as a result of a gift. Matthew 7:1-5 reminds us: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”

A present is intended to please, but unfortunately, it is a sad fact of life that not everybody’s desires or considered usefulness of a particular commodity are the same. This is where charity shops can come into their own. They will welcome with gratitude, any inappropriate item that is either appraised as of no further use or an unwanted gift. In the current times of hardship or poverty, when many need to watch their pennies, a charity shop is often the first port of call for a prospective purchaser looking for a specific item.

Everyone loves a bargain. Charity shops feature regularly in some people’s lives where amazing deals can sometimes be found. Some articles that have been purchased from the shop have often been found to be completely unused or virtually new on closer inspection at vast discounts from the original price. The more retrenchment one appears to have made on the purchased item, especially if it is considered as a necessity, the more satisfaction and appreciation is gained.

A true story is told of a man named Gerald who was about to go on holiday to the island of Ibiza, situated in the Mediterranean Sea during the season of Epiphany. Ibiza is situated off the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. During the winter months, it is often renowned for pleasant weather. Matthew 2:1-5 reminds us of the feast of Epiphany: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet.”

Gerald desperately needed a new pair of shoes to take with him, as his existing ones had seen the better light of day and were in much need of replacement. It had been some time since his last purchase and as his lifestyle incorporated considerable walking, he felt that he was now due a suitable replacement.

One day, during the Christmas sales as he passed a charity shop, in his local town, he noticed a beautiful pair of brown leather slip-on shoes in the window. They looked brand new and he wondered if they would fit him. He entered the shop to enquire about the size and welcomed the information that they were of his size. He was also informed by the voluntary worker that they were the only pair in stock and were good quality shoes that were on offer at only a few pounds. The man did not require any more persuasion and asked to try them on, they fitted perfectly and felt so comfortable. He immediately purchased them and took them home with great pride and gratitude. He could not wait to start wearing them. John Milton, an English poet and intellectual once remarked: “Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”