There is less than a week now until Christmas (for gift buying). The Bible
uses two different Greek words translated “gift”. Both illustrate different
truths. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh
down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow
of turning.” James 1:17
1. GOOD GIFT: In the original language, this refers to the ACT of giving.
Only that which is good issues from God (Psalm 19:1; Acts 14:17; I Timothy
4:4; 6:17). Not only did He create the heavens and the earth for us, but in
so doing revealed Himself to us. He is the giver of all that is good and He
never gives us anything that is not for our good. It matters not whether
the gift is large or small. If it comes from God, it will always be good.
2. PERFECT GIFT: In the original language, this emphasizes the GIFT itself.
God gives to us so many incredible gifts out of His grace. Our salvation is
a gift from God.
“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans
6:23).
“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall
He not with Him also freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32).
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”
(John 3:16).
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is
the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give
unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man
pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).
What are the specifications in order for a gift to be good and perfect?
*It must be free and not earned: No strings attached.
*It should meet a need.
*It should be given out of love.
*There should be the sense that the gift includes the giver himself.
In consideration of the requirements, God has given to us the most perfect
gift ever given: grace to our soul and eternal life in heaven!
*Is it free and not earned? YES (John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:13).
*Does it meet my most basic need – eternal life? YES (Romans 6:23).
*Was it given out of love? YES (John 3:16).
*Does this gift include the giver himself? YES God definitely meets this
fourth requirement and He gave of Himself when we were His enemies (Romans
5:8).
There is one more specification based on God’s gift to us that is not
actually necessary when we give Christmas gifts to one another. It should
be EXPENSIVE! The value of God’s gift has never been matched in the history
of the universe. That gift was purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ,
God’s Son and is priceless!
When you receive gifts from under the tree this Christmas, consider the
giver of the gifts as more important than the gifts themselves. Our
response must be one of gratitude. During the festivities of Christmas day,
get alone with God and express your gratitude for His unmerited and
unlimited favor (gifts) in your life. Perhaps the psalmist provides for us
the necessary response – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His
benefits” (Psalm 103:2).
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
[email protected] www.grif.net
“Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!”