8330 receptiveness

An openness to people and ideas which needs to be tempered by discernment. It is an attitude which God desires and which he shows to all who call to him.

Receptiveness as a human quality

It is characterised by an open attitude Mt 13:16-17 See also Pr 18:15; Pr 20:12

It is an aspect of love Jn 19:26-27 See also Ru 4:3-5,13; Mt 18:5 pp Mk 9:37 pp Lk 9:48; Mt 25:35; Ac 2:44-45; Ac 4:32; 1Co 13:6-7; Gal 4:14

Thoughtful receptiveness requires discernment 1Jn 4:1 See also 1Co 2:14; Php 1:10; 1Th 5:21; Heb 5:14

Thoughtless receptiveness is dangerous 2Co 11:3-4 See also Dt 11:16; 1Ki 11:4; Pr 7:21; Col 2:8; Heb 13:9; 2Jn 10

Spiritual receptiveness is fruitful Jn 15:5 See also Ps 1:3; Pr 3:5-6; Pr 6:20-22; Jer 17:7-8; Jn 20:29

God is receptive to human beings

To their needs Mt 9:36 See also 2Ki 14:26; Ps 103:13-14; Isa 63:9; Mt 6:8; Mt 15:32 pp Mk 8:2-3; Lk 7:13; 1Pe 5:7

To their cries Ps 38:9 See also Ex 3:7; 1Ki 9:3 pp 2Ch 7:12; Ps 6:8-9; Ps 40:1; Isa 65:24; 1Pe 3:12

To their repentance Hos 14:1-4 See also 2Sa 12:13; Eze 18:27-28; Joel 2:13; Jnh 3:10; Jnh 4:2; Lk 15:7,10; Lk 18:13-14

God’s receptiveness may be withdrawn Zec 7:13 See also Ps 66:18; Pr 21:13; Isa 59:2; Jer 11:11; Mt 7:23; Mt 27:46 pp Mk 15:34; Ps 22:1; Jas 1:7

People should be receptive to God

Spiritual receptiveness begins by receiving Jesus Christ Jn 1:12-13 See also Mt 10:40; Ac 2:41; Ac 16:14; Col 2:6

Spiritual receptiveness requires openness to God’s Spirit 1Co 2:12-16 See also Ro 8:5,16; 1Co 7:40; Gal 5:16,25; Rev 2:7

Receptiveness involves seeking and listening Isa 50:4-5 See also Dt 4:29; 1Ch 28:9; Ps 119:11; Pr 8:34; Mt 7:8 pp Lk 11:10; Lk 10:39; Eph 1:18; Jas 1:19

Receptiveness involves accepting and learning Mk 10:15 pp Lk 18:17 See also Ps 1:2; Lk 11:1; Jn 3:27; Jn 6:45; Ac 8:30-31; Ac 17:11; 1Th 2:13; 1Jn 2:27

Receptiveness requires obedience and action Jn 14:23 See also 1Sa 15:22; Isa 58:6-7; Mt 7:21; Jn 5:17; Jn 7:17; Jas 1:25; Jas 2:14; 1Pe 4:10

Refusing to be receptive to God

Zec 7:11-12 See also 2Ch 24:19; Jer 32:33; Mt 10:14 pp Mk 6:11 pp Lk 9:5; Jn 1:11; Ac 7:51-53; Jas 1:7-8

See also