Stop being a "hater"

"But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, 'Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.'"

(Matthew 26:8-9)

We all know the phrase, "It's more blessed to give than to receive." That's actually from the Bible (and attributed to Jesus, though it's not found in the gospels). Whether we live it out is another thing altogether. But at least we understand the virtue and value in giving.

There's a story in the gospel of Matthew that challenges me. Chapter 26. It's the final week of Jesus' life. He and his disciples are at someone's house (Simon the leper) in Bethany (a town right next to Jerusalem). A woman came in and poured expensive ointment on Jesus' head. (Quick note: I've heard that type of ointment was passed down to daughters by their mothers and was almost like a "nest egg" or "security blanket" for women. So it was quite valuable!).

The disciples not only noticed, but took umbrage with her actions. "Why this waste?" they cried. Surely, she could have SOLD the ointment and given the money to the poor. That would have been the sensible and responsible thing to do.

Jesus, however, took a different approach. He saw her actions as genuine love. Plus, he knew his life on earth was coming to an end soon. "By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial." Wow. Jesus was able to honor her gift and see the deeper connections (that others could not see!).

I find myself in the disciples' shoes. I'm super-practical. Frugal, too. Reserved in my spending. I probably would have sided with the disciples, had I been there. And I, too, would have been scolded by Jesus.

Why do we judge others' gifts? That's been them and God. We don't know the backstory behind others' actions? The best we can do is get OUR HEARTS right, and then keep our relationship with Jesus unencumbered. But we (I) need to stop judging others' gifts and generosity (even if it's just an internal conversation in my own mind). Because there's a LOT I don't know (about what's going on in the lives of others).

How 'bout you?