A Season of Giving

"But there is a great difference between Adam's sin and God's gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and His gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:15 NLB).

Viewed in ancient times and in various ways, gift giving had multiple purposes. A gift given for political aim and bribery for an official's vote was very common. Giving someone a present had an array of purposes in Old Testament societies. Cultures and norms based on ones standing in the community influenced the motive behind giving tributes. . . just as they do today. Has the nature of humankind gone through changes or are we unchanged since ancient times?

Old Testament Scriptures on giving:

• A dowry for a wife (Genesis 34:12)
• A tribute to a military conqueror (2 Samuel 8:2)
• A bribe (Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 17:8; Isaiah 1:23)
• A reward for faithful service and to insure future loyalty (Daniel 2:48)
• A gift for the poor (Esther 9:22)

Purposing Pondering

This is the season of giving and receiving. Every year I look forward to the gifts my husband gives me at Christmas because he is a man of discerning taste, and he gives me great gifts. On the other hand, no matter how hard I try, I never get the right thing for him. He usually exchanges my gifts for things he would rather have. I Do Not Get It! Why is giving and receiving so difficult both materially and spiritually?

Coaching

Women are gift givers. However, we also love receiving gifts . . . or do we? Occasionally, it is more difficult to receive than give. Giving should be an enthusiastic response to God's grace, not something done grudgingly. However, receiving a token served with warmth means grace was in the giving. How we respond to a gift given through love can serve God's purpose and reveal the temperature of the recipient's heart.

Sometimes a hug is all one needs in response, or perhaps a big smile or tiny tear; these are dictates from the heart. A heart-felt reaction is an unspoken word conveying a gratitude of love. A loving response is a gift returned to the giver. This love warms two hearts that intersect.

The object of God's gift-of-grace is His creation... humankind. He desires to bless us with purpose. Through His love and grace we receive spiritual blessings that gives birth to our life-purpose; a gift wrapped by the Spirit of God. The Spirit gives gifts freely in order to connect and deepen our relationship with Almighty God who, in turn, develops and strengthens our purpose. It is a win-win scenario.

Holman Bible Dictionary says, "Sometimes the word gift requires modifiers to specify voluntary gifts." Not all gifts are given from the heart.

Scriptures on giving from a heart of love:

• A loving freewill offering or gift (Exodus 35:29)
• A freely given gift by a heart filled with grace (Romans 6:23)
• A bountiful gift not motivated by covetousness (2 Corinthians 9:5)

In the New Testament, God's love and divine intervention is evident in the gift of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16) and the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). The grace-gift (Gk. charisma) of God is eternal life (John 3:36). Eternal life is a gift. One does not earn it . . . it is freely given out of love (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). If one receives the gift of eternal life, their decision is life altering both in the earthly and heavenly realms.

"And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins" (Romans 5:16 NLB).

Challenge

The Christmas season is a great time to reach out to others and share God's gift of grace. Do you know someone who needs the Lord? Is there someone in your life closed-off to talking about Jesus? When the time is right, share the Lord Jesus with someone else. After all, it is not us doing the gift giving. The Holy Spirit works supernaturally through those who are grounded in faith and sold-out to God.

"For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:17 NLB).

Are you preparing for a season of giving and bestowing purpose in others? Your High Priest, Jesus Christ, is waiting to teach you to relax, and you rest in the release of the Spirit allowing the Holy One to work in and through you for His purpose.