
From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16
In my little hometown, there’s a Blessing Box. It’s an old soda cooler repurposed by a kind family and filled with non-perishable food. People take what they need and leave what they can. The box has only been active for a few months, but it looks like items are both coming and going.
Whoever came up with this idea is an angel! A barrier to giving and receiving has been broken down, because those using the box can remain relatively anonymous–its, quite simply, take it and/or leave it.
A friend from South Korea once remarked that people in the West find it easier to show kindness than to receive it. Do you agree?
Frankly, I see her point, it’s harder for me to receive than to give. However, the early Christians in the book of Acts were comfortable with both.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone who had need.
Act 2:44-45
The passage above doesn’t mention in detail how the receivers responded to the gifts, but it appears both give AND take were welcomed.
Interdependent generosity still exists among Christians today.
My brother and sister-in-law live on eleven acres at the edge of a local city. Full Quiver Farms (they have seven children) is always abuzz with back and forth blessings.
The Boy Scouts need a place to store a massive trailer filled with canoes? Not a problem. “Park it in the back,” says my older brother. A friend’s mom was flooded out by a hurricane for the second time? “She can stay with us as long as she likes,” says my sister-in-law.
But the gate also swings the other way. When my brother’s family needs something (maybe a pickup truck and trailer) they reach out to their ‘blessing buddies’ and borrow it. Back and forth it goes, and it’s been happening for years!
Christians can be Blessing Boxes with skin on!

Take what you need. Leave what you can. But, above all, be blessed.
By yourself you’re unprotected.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (MSG)
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.
Comments
37 responses to “The Blessing Box”
Yes, the Blessing Box is a wonderful idea. I haven’t seen any around here. I hope they catch on. 😊
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Thank you, Mindy. The Blessing Box is a pretty cool idea. There’s another one in a town nearby! Thank you for reading and commenting. Blessings.
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Yes, I love this! I think we all can use a reminder to let others bless us with help when we need it. We need the experience of accepting help in order to humbly give it to others. Thanks for your inspiring words here. Blessings to you.
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The Blessing Box is located outside our local police station.
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That’s a great idea. I’m curious, where is the box located?
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Yes! On its way!
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Thanks, Saania. Now, please post a deep philosophical question so I can think about something else.😀
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I understand, yes I do. 🙋♀️👍🙂
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Thank you, Vivian. I like to think I’m too blessed to be stressed, but these days it’s harder. Blessings.
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That’s so amazing!
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Oh I love this. Be blessed back!!
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I hadn’t thought about the comparison, but the Blessing Box IS like a little library.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Blessings.
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reminds me of The Little Library, in which folks can borrow and place inside books. Such a great idea to do this. I would certainly use this!
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AMEN. And you don’t even have to know the person who did it. The blessing come from God.
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What a great community that forms when the giving and receiving are personal.
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Thank you for reading and commenting. I will check out your post! Blessings.
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I love your line, “Christians can be Blessing Boxes with skin on!” I shared an experience with almost the same theme in my last post. I presented it from a different perspective. (Might want to check it out.) I agree many of us have a hard time receiving. It makes me wonder… are we too prideful? One must be gracious, humble, and grateful to receive well.
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Thank you.
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Awesome! Very inspiring.
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You’re too funny, David. ABBA’s Blessings always.
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Deandra. You make the story sound more interesting than I did! It’s the writer in you, no doubt. 😍 God Bless.
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What a wonderful reminder that we are blessing boxes with skin on! I once found it hard to receive the generosity of others but was always willing to lavish. The Lord reminded me that I need a balance and taught me that it was my pride keeping me from receiving – what a lesson. As believers, we must share (give and receive). When we act as though we have it made, not only do we walk in arrogance, but we also prevent those around from being blessed by giving. I love that your extended family do both – a true example of walking in Christ’s love.
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I hear you. It’s a lot a plates to keep spinning! Thanks for sharing about your journey in such a honest way–on your blog and in your comments. Blessings!
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Thanks for sharing this post. People easily forget God when overwhelmed with fear or clouded by the world’s materialism, greed or hate. People need so much healing today, including me. Just too many things going at the same time & so easy to slip and loose our way.
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Thanks, Vince!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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My inbox was a blessing box today! Thank you David!
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AMEN!
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Thank you. You are correct. There are different seasons on our lives, and sometimes we must be alone. Thankfully, God promises to walk with us as long as we walk with Him. Blessings.
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It is a neat idea. My wife and I have left a few items there for others. It’s a great feeling knowing you don’t have to hurt someone’s pride—you can just give. Blessings!
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The Blessing Box is pretty 😎 cool. There’s another one in a town nearby. That’s for commenting. Blessings to you as well, Maria.
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Thank you, G. W. God Bless.
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A most excellent point and post. Thank you.
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Nice, very nice.
Sent from my iPhone
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How wonderful is this!! Every place, in every community should have something like this. I have always gotten such strength and reassurance from the Book of Ecclesiastes, thank you for including that last passage. Blessings to you my friend 🙏
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I love that blessing box idea. Having the advantage of staying anonymous while receiving is really good. Christians can indeed be blessing boxes too. I too find it easier to give than to receive.
Thanks for sharing this David.
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All very true, and yet there are times when the Lord causes us to be alone, some are not called to marriage, some are alone due to false brethren…….and Apostasy.
It was very uplifting…….
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