77: Letting the Giver See

“…When we have decided to accept, let us accept with cheerfulness, showing pleasure, and letting the giver see it, so that he or she may at once receive some return for their goodness…”

This week, I am reading a quote from On Benefits by Seneca the Younger, published in 59 AD.

Reflection Question:

  • What is one thing you can do this week to let your donors know that you see their gifts and they are welcome to belong to your mission?

Reflection on Quote:

Seneca describes a number of attitudes that can accompany the receiving of a gift from cheerfulness to offense to slavish humility. He points out that when we receive gifts languidly, it leaves the giver in doubt.  It also tells the donor that they are not welcome to join us in the mission; that they don’t belong.  And, that is painful.

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

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