Today, we’re exploring a powerful question that came from a students in our Workbook support group. Her name is Sue.

🎧Click here to hear the audio version.

Here is what she asked:

QUESTION:

“What’s the difference between receiving and taking?”

Such a powerful question—because in God’s laws, there is only giving.

Getting and taking? They are not part of His truth.

So today, we’re going open our hearts to what it truly means to receive as God gives: Without lack. Without need.

And only as the pure extension of love.

So let’s take a breath, my friends.

Let’s invite in the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

and begin this journey of remembering what it really means to live by the laws of God—and become free and happy because of them.

What’s the True Difference Between Receiving and Taking?

MY ANSWER:

The difference between receiving and taking lies in the goal—the purpose.

It’s the why behind what you’re doing.

When we are aligned with God, we are aligned with His laws, which say: Only give.

Why?

Because God has already given you everything.

• He has given you life.
• He has given you love.
• He has given you power, strength, peace, joy, safety.
• He has given you the Holy Spirit to help you remember and correct all things.
• He has even given you eternal life.

So, because you already have everything, Jesus teaches us to Give.

When You Give, You Realize You Lack Nothing

When you give, you realize that you lack nothing.

That’s the divine law.

Receiving is not something you strive for—it’s the effect of giving.

We’re never asked to focus on what we’re receiving.

We’re asked to focus on where we’re giving.

Jesus says in A Course in Miracles:

“The only thing lacking in any situation is that which you have not given.”

It’s Not The Other Persons Fault?

Now, the ego says,

“No, no. What’s lacking is that Tom (my husband) didn’t do what I needed.”

“If only he had done what I asked, I’d be at peace.”

But God gently invites us to look within and ask:

What have I not given in this situation?

When I asked myself that, I realized…

Oh wow—yeah. I haven’t given to Tom what I’m asking him to give to me.

So the problem isn’t with Tom.

The problem is with me.

Jesus wants us to recognize:

You already have everything.

And if something feels missing, it’s because you’re withholding something you’re meant to give.

Receiving is always the effect of giving. Always.

So nothing is truly missing.

We just need to change our mind—and we’ll see, we have everything.

Seeing Through the Ego’s Lens of “Not Enough”

Taking has a very different goal.

Taking means: “I don’t have it. You do. And I’m going to take it from you.”

But if I take something from you—then you no longer have it. Something’s been lost.

That’s not how God operates. God’s laws are always win-win.

Imagine this:

You’re holding a beautifully wrapped gift. I walk up and just snatch it out of your hands.

Now you don’t have it. I took it. That’s taking. That’s ego.

But if I walk up to you and say, “Oh my gosh, I’m so happy you have a gift!”

And you say, “Here, I want you to have it.”

Then I receive that gift in gratitude.

You feel blessed because you gave. I feel blessed because I received.

We’re both uplifted. That’s how giving works in God’s world.

Am I Giving from Wholeness or Taking from Lack?

Taking comes from the belief in lack.

Giving comes from the awareness of abundance.

The ego says, “I don’t have enough, so I need to take.”

But when we’re aligned with Spirit, we know: I already have everything—and I can give freely.

So we don’t need to focus on receiving.

We focus on giving—and allow ourselves to receive when it comes.

But we do have to be open to receiving. We can’t block it.

We need to let the gifts come in, too.

Still, the root is this: Taking is based in fear. Giving is based in love.

And receiving is simply the effect of that giving.

So thank you, Sue, for this beautiful question.

It’s such a helpful reminder of the difference between ego and Spirit.

Want to Join and Go Deeper Into Studying ACIM Together?

I’d love to personally invite you to our weekly A Course in Miracles study group.

We meet every Tuesday at 1:00 PM Central.

It’s free, it’s powerful, and it’s filled with devoted, beautiful souls.

At 1:00, we start by sharing miracles, shifts, healings, and wins.

At 1:30, we dive into the day’s reading together.

It’s a sacred space. You’re welcome to come as you are, and with any edition of the Course.

Donations are welcome in gratitude—but never required.

If you feel called to join us, I’ve linked everything you need here to sign up for free.

Until next time, please remember:

God’s gifts are given freely.

You already have everything you need inside you.

And together, we are unlocking those treasures—

So you may live in the beauty of His love and light

As the radiant soul you were created to be.

📖 Order A Course In Miracles Here

Wishing you a beautiful, blessed weekend and week ahead.