In the King James Version, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8) conveys the idea that the gifts and blessings one has received from God should be shared generously with others without expecting anything in return. It emphasizes the principle of selfless generosity and the importance of sharing God’s grace and goodness.
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5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,
6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.
9 Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts,
10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.
12 As you enter the house, greet it.
13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.
15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
“Freely You Have Received, Freely Give” Meaning
The phrase “Freely you have received, freely give” from Matthew 10:8 encapsulates a profound Christian principle regarding the nature of God’s gifts and the expectation of believers to replicate this generosity. In this context, Jesus instructs His disciples to heal the sick, raise the dead, and perform miracles—all acts of divine grace that they received without cost (Matthew 10:8). This instruction underlines the idea that the blessings, healing, and salvation granted by God are not commodities to be exploited for personal gain but should be shared abundantly with those in need, reflecting God’s unconditional love and grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Moreover, this principle can be connected to other biblical teachings that advocate for selflessness and service. For instance, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, it is stated that God loves a cheerful giver, reinforcing the attitude with which we should share our blessings. It also echoes the broader call to stewardship outlined in Luke 12:48, where from the one who has been given much, much will be required. In essence, “Freely you have received, freely give” serves as a clarion call for all believers to leverage their gifts, whether spiritual, material, or emotional, for the benefit of others, thereby participating in the divine economy of grace that characterizes the Kingdom of God.
The essence of giving without expectation is echoed throughout the Scriptures, where generosity becomes a hallmark of the Christian life. This theme presents itself in how believers are encouraged to exhibit kindness and compassion, often illustrated through parables like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this account, the Samaritan embodies the principle of providing help and aid without seeking recompense, demonstrating that the act of giving should stem from genuine love and a concern for others, rather than obligation or self-interest. Such narratives nurture the understanding that believers are called to respond to the needs of their neighbors, mirroring the grace they themselves have experienced through Christ.
Additionally, the teaching of sharing one’s resources with the less fortunate aligns with the biblical call to community and mutual support. James 1:17 denotes that every good gift and perfect gift comes from above, reinforcing the concept that all we possess is ultimately a divine provision meant to be utilized for collective upliftment. The early church illustrated this in Acts 2:44-45, where believers pooled their resources to ensure that none went in need, reflecting the spirit of communal generosity. This demonstrates that ‘freely giving’ extends beyond mere financial contributions to include time, skills, and emotional support—essentially leveraging every aspect of one’s life to bless others. In this way, “Freely you have received, freely give” transcends a transactional viewpoint and invites believers into a lifestyle of sacrificial love and service, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s teachings in the world.
The Principle of Generosity
The phrase “Freely you have received, freely give” emphasizes the importance of generosity in the Christian life. It suggests that believers are called to share the blessings they have received from God without expecting anything in return. This principle encourages a spirit of selflessness and highlights the idea that what one has is not solely for personal gain but is meant to be shared with others, reflecting the love and grace of God.
The Call to Service
This phrase also serves as a reminder of the call to serve others. It implies that the gifts, talents, and resources one has been given should be used to benefit others, particularly those in need. By giving freely, individuals participate in the work of the Kingdom of God, demonstrating compassion and support for their community. This call to service reinforces the idea that faith is not just a personal journey but also a communal responsibility.
The Nature of God’s Grace
Furthermore, “Freely you have received, freely give” encapsulates the nature of God’s grace. It highlights that God’s gifts—be it salvation, love, or spiritual gifts—are given without cost and are not earned through human effort. This understanding encourages believers to extend grace to others, fostering an environment of forgiveness and acceptance. It reminds them that just as they have received unmerited favor from God, they are to extend that same grace to those around them.
How to Grow in Generosity and Selflessness as a Christian
Growing in generosity and selflessness as a Christian is a beautiful journey that begins with a heart open to God’s love and grace. Start by reflecting on the countless blessings you’ve received—both big and small—and let that gratitude inspire you to give back. Consider setting aside a portion of your time, talents, and treasures for others, whether through volunteering, donating to those in need, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend. Remember, generosity isn’t just about money; it’s about sharing your life and love with those around you. Pray for a heart that mirrors Christ’s selflessness, and look for opportunities to serve, even in the smallest acts of kindness. As you step out in faith, you’ll find that the more you give, the more joy and fulfillment you’ll experience, reflecting the very essence of Christ’s love in your life.
Bible References to Freely Give in KJV:
Luke 6:27-38: 27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.
30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.
31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.”
33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;”
38 Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
Acts 20:32-35: 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
33 I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.
34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
2 Corinthians 9:6-15: 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,
14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.
15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
1 Peter 4:7-11: 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
James 1:16-27: 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
24 for he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
1 John 3:16-24: 16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him;
20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.
21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;
22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.