Gifts of Love
Black Friday Shopping
I am one of those crazy Black Friday shoppers. Everyone loves a deal, but I especially enjoy it when it comes to being able to buy a quality gift at a lower price for those I love. Seeing family members’ faces when they open a package that delights their hearts is a highlight of Christmas for me.
Thanksgiving day, after guests leave, leftovers are stored in the fridge, dishes are done, and turkey broth simmers on the stove, I sit down with the ads and make my plan. What might I buy to fulfill a wish? Where can I find something unexpected to bring an, “Ah, thanks, Mom,” on Christmas morning? Waking early on Black Friday to drive to the stores is a joy to me. I love buying gifts for family and friends.
Is God Generous?
As a parent, I resonate with Luke 11:11-12 (ESV). “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?” I delight in fulfilling my loved ones wishes when I can. It gives me joy to see their joy.
My confusion, then, with unmet longings and unanswered prayer, created doubt in my mind of God’s personal care for me. How could He withhold for years what, in my reasoning, would fill my heart and confirm His love for me? Was God stingy, or was there something amiss in my interpretation of His response to my desires?
I could wish that God would be like Santa Claus and give me what I want based on my good behavior. I might then have some measure of control in His response. This strategy falls flat as I remember how imperfect my behavior is. And it denies the love that motivates the gift. I hate to think that my friends and family members believe they must earn my affection and gifts. Does God feel the same when I believe I must earn His affection?
Greatest Gift Giver
My daughters often affirm me for my skills at gift giving, which encourages my mom-heart. I have learned that God far exceeds me in that category. Not only does He shower me with daily reminders of His personal care for me, He gave me the greatest gift of all through His Son, Jesus. Life eternal, forgiveness, peace, hope, plus all of the spiritual gifts that are mine in Christ have been lavished upon me. It’s overwhelming when I ponder what He has given me.
I, who did nothing to earn it, have been showered with God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7-8a (ESV) describes this generosity. ”In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us.” I pray that the gift of Jesus and all that He accomplished for me would be foremost in my mind whenever I am tempted to believe God withholds. Instead, He is the greatest gift giver, and all I give to others is but a reflection of who He is.
James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash