SHARING HIS BLESSINGS
Richard Harris
Today's Scripture: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” Romans 3:23-25a, ESV
Theme: We tend to love the gift more than the giver, but God has given us the ultimate gift. Be grateful!
ALL HAVE SINNED
In the first part of our Scripture for today, Paul, in his letter to the Christians of Rome, states that we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Of what sins is he speaking? Murder? Hatred? Adultery? Lust? Pride? Some of these are bigger than others, so should we treat them differently? How are they viewed by God? All—both the big sins and the small—separate us from God. In other words, God finds us guilty. All sins, therefore, go on record and lead to eternal death.
There is redemption, however. In the remaining words of Romans 3:23-25a, Paul tells us the Good News of the gift of forgiveness. That gift was given to us when Jesus took those sins unto Himself on the cross. He paid the penalty for us. Being justified by God, He has declared us not guilty. There can be no greater gift. Are we grateful for that gift, or the gift-giver, or both?
The Gifts of God
Our Holy Bible gives us many examples of God’s gifts. With the turning of each page, I see His gifts. “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4). Let us grasp that Spirit with our whole hearts and live out those precious gifts. Love those gifts He has given and love the gift-giver, our Father God.
Re-Gifting
As we live in harmony with other believers, should we hoard those gifts or graciously share the Good News … regifting the love? 2 Timothy 1:6 boldly reminds us to “kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands.” God's gift within us was never intended to remain there. Let us regift – share-- the Holy Spirit. I am writing this Devotion because of the regifting love to me from fellow Christians; and my words now are being regifted and shared to you. Sharing God’s Word is sharing the Truth. Hallelujah!
Let me tell you a powerful example of regifting that impacted my grandson. For Christmas, this seventeen-year-old received a gift of two one-hundred-dollar bills from his father. There was one condition; he must give them away. He was asked to regift his gift. To a young teenager, this can be a very incomprehensible request. At the time, he did not understand his father’s motive. After a few days of deliberating, he obediently chose the recipients of the money. There was a school acquaintance who often missed lunch because her parents did not always have the money to add to the account. My grandson chose to give her one of the hundred-dollar bills. The girl was overjoyed to get the money, and thanked and hugged my grandson. She got to eat many lunches. The second bill was given to an animal rescue home. They were amazed to have a seventeen-year-old walk in and unconditionally hand over such a nice gift.
So, what did my grandson - the gift-giver - get out of this unique situation? The satisfaction of knowing he did something good for someone else and improved their situation. By sacrificing his own gift, he knew in his heart that the world was a little better. And no. He was not reimbursed the money. It was a true sacrifice and a real lesson. Though it was not as large a gift as our Lord’s sacrifice, it brought him a spiritual awakening, nevertheless.
Make It Personal: We all have been blessed and gifted beyond what we need or deserve. Love the Giver more than the things He has provided for you. Share the love of Jesus with your smile, a word of comfort, or your service. If you have extra, share. As John the Baptist first preached, if you have two tunics, share one; do the same with your food (see Luke 3:10-14). Most of all, be willing to share the Gift of Jesus. What great gifts have you received that you will be willing to obediently/sacrificially regift?
Pray: Lord: As the Giver of all gifts, we thank You for every opportunity to share the glory of Your Blessings. The heart of pure Christianity—true religion—lies in our regifting of Your love, forgiveness, and grace. Together, Lord, we shall celebrate the sacrificial Gift of Your Son, our beloved Savior and share the Good News. In gratitude, we pray in the Name of the one true Gift … our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Read: Proverbs 18:16; John 17:17 2 Corinthians 9:15; Romans 6:23; 1 Peter 4:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7, ESV