Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8200 The character of the believer » 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
Matthew 13:16-17 See also Proverbs 18:15; Proverbs 20:12
It is an aspect of love
John 19:26-27 See also Ruth 4:3-5,13; Matthew 18:5 pp Mark 9:37 pp Luke 9:48; Matthew 25:35; Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32; 1 Corinthians 13:6-7; Galatians 4:14
Thoughtful receptiveness requires discernment
1 John 4:1 See also 1 Corinthians 2:14; Philippians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Hebrews 5:14
Thoughtless receptiveness is dangerous
2 Corinthians 11:3-4 See also Deuteronomy 11:16; 1 Kings 11:4; Proverbs 7:21; Colossians 2:8; Hebrews 13:9; 2Jn 10
Spiritual receptiveness is fruitful
John 15:5 See also Psalm 1:3; Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 6:20-22; Jeremiah 17:7-8; John 20:29
God is receptive to human beings
To their needs
Matthew 9:36 See also 2 Kings 14:26; Psalm 103:13-14; Isaiah 63:9; Matthew 6:8; Matthew 15:32 pp Mark 8:2-3; Luke 7:13; 1 Peter 5:7
To their cries
Psalm 38:9 See also Exodus 3:7; 1 Kings 9:3 pp 2 Chronicles 7:12; Psalm 6:8-9; Psalm 40:1; Isaiah 65:24; 1 Peter 3:12
To their repentance
Hosea 14:1-4 See also 2 Samuel 12:13; Ezekiel 18:27-28; Joel 2:13; Jonah 3:10; Jonah 4:2; Luke 15:7,10; Luke 18:13-14
God's receptiveness may be withdrawn
Zechariah 7:13 See also Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 21:13; Isaiah 59:2; Jeremiah 11:11; Matthew 7:23; Matthew 27:46 pp Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1; James 1:7
People should be receptive to God
Spiritual receptiveness begins by receiving Jesus Christ
John 1:12-13 See also Matthew 10:40; Acts 2:41; Acts 16:14; Colossians 2:6
Spiritual receptiveness requires openness to God's Spirit
1 Corinthians 2:12-16 See also Romans 8:5,16; 1 Corinthians 7:40; Galatians 5:16,25; Revelation 2:7
Receptiveness involves seeking and listening
Isaiah 50:4-5 See also Deuteronomy 4:29; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 8:34; Matthew 7:8 pp Luke 11:10; Luke 10:39; Ephesians 1:18; James 1:19
Receptiveness involves accepting and learning
Mark 10:15 pp Luke 18:17 See also Psalm 1:2; Luke 11:1; John 3:27; John 6:45; Acts 8:30-31; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 2:27
Receptiveness requires obedience and action
John 14:23 See also 1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 58:6-7; Matthew 7:21; John 5:17; John 7:17; James 1:25; James 2:14; 1 Peter 4:10
Refusing to be receptive to God
Zechariah 7:11-12 See also 2 Chronicles 24:19; Jeremiah 32:33; Matthew 10:14 pp Mark 6:11 pp Luke 9:5; John 1:11; Acts 7:51-53; James 1:7-8
See also
1030 God, compassion 5159 hearing 5165 listening 6178 hardness of heart 6245 stubbornness 6602 acceptance 8160 seeking God 8205 childlikeness 8226 discernment 8292 love 8351 teachableness 8453 obedience
