Gift to the World

GIVE AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life” (John 3:16 TPT).

Christmas is such a unique season of the year. For some, it may be all about the parties, celebrations, and excess, but for many there is a renewed resolve to show peace and kindness, and the opportunity to share their blessings with others. Charitable acts and giving to Christian causes become a special part of the season. 

The joy of the season is magnified as we experience that we are, “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 NKJ). The smiles of gratitude for a charitable act, the bounding joy of children on Christmas morning, or the serene satisfaction of donating an anonymous gift are all benefits of this blessing in generosity. 

After all, the story of Christmas is the unwrapping of the ultimate gift to this world: Jesus Christ, the gift of God to all humanity. The plan of redemption was the greatest expression of love. As Paul said, “Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly! And there is still much more to say of his unfailing love for us! For through the blood of Jesus we have heard the powerful declaration, ‘You are now righteous in my sight.’ And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God” (Romans 5:8-9 TPT).

From God’s example of sacrificial love we are now motivated to give with the same inspiration. Paul encouraged believers, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV). The gift of God’s love continues to influence the entire world as we spread the good news of Jesus and demonstrate His love to others. This season and throughout the year, let us love and give again!


Theme passage:
“… how much greater will God’s grace and his gracious gift of acceptance overflow to many because of what one man, Jesus, the Messiah, did for us!” (Roman 5:15 TPT).