Devotional Ideas for Enneagram 2s: Receiving Is Also a Practice

By Nick Vogel· May 9, 2023Enneagram 2 — The HelperEnneagram Heart Center (2, 3, 4)
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Martha did everything right, by every rule of hospitality her culture had. Jesus comes to the house, and she gets to work. Luke says she "was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made," while her sister Mary "sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said" (Luke 10:39-40). You can hear Martha's complaint coming before she makes it. Lord, don't you care that I'm doing this alone? Tell her to help me.

And Jesus answers with real tenderness, saying her name twice: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42). He never criticizes the serving. What he names is the worry and upset underneath it, the sense that love has to keep producing to keep its place in the room. If you're the one who spots every need and moves to meet it, and you felt a flash of sympathy for Martha just now, these three practices are yours.

Sit Down First

In that house, receiving came before serving, and Jesus called the receiving better. Mary's posture, sitting, listening, taking in, wasn't the lazy option while the competent sister worked. It was the one needed choice, and Jesus promised it wouldn't be taken from her.

So build Mary's posture into the front of your day. Before you help, fix, feed, or check in on anyone, spend five minutes only receiving. A passage read slowly. A prayer where you say nothing and listen. Coffee with the door shut and God as the only company. Those five minutes will probably feel harder than an hour of serving would, and that difficulty is the case for the practice. A love that can only give has half its circulation blocked, and the giving half eventually runs dry too.

Say What You Need

James writes one of the shortest diagnoses in Scripture: "You do not have because you do not ask God" (James 4:2). It's usually preached at people too proud to pray for help. For you it might also be about people. You've built a life on being the one who notices needs, which can leave your own needs with nowhere to go, because voicing one feels like resigning from the role.

Practice asking in both directions this week. Ask God for one specific need of your own, plainly, before you intercede for anybody else. Then ask a person for one specific piece of help. Let a friend bring the meal, drive you to the airport, pray for you instead of with you. If the second ask feels far harder than the first, look at that honestly. A person might say no, and at some point you may have decided never to need anything rather than risk that. Letting someone help you is an act of trust, and it hands them the same joy of serving you've been keeping to yourself.

The Towel Came Second

Before Jesus washed his disciples' feet, John records where his footing was: "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal... and began to wash his disciples' feet" (John 13:3-5). The order carries the lesson. Identity settled first, towel picked up second. Jesus served from a love already secure, which is how he could wash Judas's feet too, knowing exactly how that night would end.

A lot of generous serving runs the sequence backward, working to feel loved rather than working because you are. You can tell which order you're in by what happens when the service goes unnoticed. If unnoticed feels unbearable, the towel came first. Before your next act of care, small as it may be, say what's true: I am loved before I do this. Then serve, and let it be overflow instead of application.

Serve From the Overflow

Nobody who's benefited from your attentiveness wants you to care less, and God doesn't either. He made the eye that spots the need across the room. The practices just reorder the flow. Sit at his feet before you head for the kitchen. Ask instead of only anticipating. Settle the identity before picking up the towel. Martha's house needed her serving, and Jesus wanted her at his feet first, because what he had for her was not going to be taken away, and it wasn't something she could cook.

Frequently asked questions

How can Enneagram 2s relate to Jesus?

Enneagram 2s can relate to Jesus as a compassionate and caring individual who put the needs of others before his own. Jesus was often described as a "helper" and spent much of his time serving others. Enneagram 2s can find inspiration in Jesus' selflessness and use their desire to help others to serve their communities and make a positive impact on the world.

Can Enneagram 2s struggle with boundaries in their relationships?

Yes, Enneagram 2s can sometimes struggle with setting healthy boundaries in their relationships. They may have a tendency to overextend themselves in order to please others and may have difficulty saying no.

What are some common traits of Enneagram 2 personalities?

Enneagram 2s, also known as "The Helper," are typically warm, caring, and empathetic individuals who thrive on helping others. They are driven by a need to be needed and often put the needs of others before their own.

Can Enneagram type 2s work well in a team environment?

Enneagram type 2s can be excellent team players, as they are often highly collaborative and supportive of others. They may struggle with asserting their own needs and ideas, however, so it can be helpful for them to work in a team environment that values open communication and encourages all team members to contribute equally.

How can Enneagram type 2s improve their personal growth and development?

Enneagram type 2s can benefit from learning to set healthy boundaries and prioritizing their own self-care needs. They may also benefit from practicing self-compassion and recognizing their own worth and value independent of their ability to help others. In addition, they may benefit from seeking support from others when needed, rather than always being the one to offer support.

What are some common challenges that Enneagram type 2s face?

Enneagram type 2s can struggle with setting boundaries and may have a tendency to overcommit themselves to others. They may also struggle with feelings of resentment if they feel unappreciated or taken for granted. In addition, they may struggle with their own needs and desires, as they often prioritize the needs of others over their own.

What are some common strengths of Enneagram type 2?

Enneagram type 2s are often excellent listeners and are skilled at understanding the needs of others. They are also usually very compassionate and have a talent for building strong relationships with others. They are often generous with their time and resources and are willing to help others whenever needed.

What is the Enneagram type 2?

Enneagram type 2 is often referred to as the Helper, and is characterized by a strong desire to help and support others. They are typically warm, empathetic, and generous, and often go out of their way to make others feel loved and appreciated.