What do you think of when you hear the word gift? Why do we give gifts? Why do we receive them?
Some people I know and love give expensive gifts and others offer no gifts. There are some gifts that are hard to receive, like the unwanted present that was meant as a joke. Yet, some gifts are wanted so desperately that they also are hard to receive, because they are so majestic they seem unbelievable.
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 (ESV) is something I’ve read many times before. Why have I not let it sink in? I know I just gloss over it running from one familiar verse to another. Honestly, this verse makes me a bit uncomfortable. I have all that I need. God has given me the greatest gift! What more could I ask for? Yet, there it is, in Christ we are graciously given more.
For us, God did not spare His own Son! We are weak and sinful and cruel. He is all-powerful, holy, loving. The Messiah purchased us with His blood. All we offer God is our sinful selves. He offers us His abundant love, mercy, and grace.
Every human is made in God’s image. Each one of us is valuable to Him.
God is good. He gave us free will, so we could choose Him and His ways. By our choice, each one of us is sinful, filled with things like greed, selfishness, and lust.
God is just and merciful. The just punishment for our sin against holy God, is death (Romans 6:23). God demonstrates His love for us by offering us salvation, forgiveness for our sin against Him. All of us need a Savior and each of us may choose Him. All of us are being offered the gift of salvation! If we receive this glorious gift, then God also gives us a gift to use as a member of His Church.
“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,
‘When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.’” Ephesians 4:7-8
Here is what one commentator shares about Ephesians 4:7.
As believers we are one, this was made clear early in Ephesians 4 and elsewhere. We have one Lord and one Father.
Of Ephesians 4:8, Foulkes wrote “As conqueror he has received gifts that he can bestow. Like many of the Psalms, this found ready application to the Christ. He has conquered his enemies, and returned to his Father’s throne in triumph, now to bestow blessings on his people. In fact his former foes, whom he leads in ‘triumph in Christ’ (2 Cor. 2:14; av, rv), like Paul himself, are his gifts to his church.”
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32
A Prayer
Father God,
Thank You for the gift of your Son! I'm to quick to forget the depth of Your love. Help me to walk with You and beside my brothers and sisters. Thank you for the unity we have in You. Thank you for the various gifts you give us so that we can minister as you see fit in this Body. We love You. Thank you that I lack nothing. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Questions to Ponder
Why are some gifts hard to receive?
Our world is hurting. God has enough love, mercy, and grace for all people! Who do you know that needs to hear the words of life found in Jesus? When will you share?
Works Cited
[1] Foulkes, F. (1989). Ephesians: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 10, pp. 121–122). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. [2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 8:31–32). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. [1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 4:7–8). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
