Gift-giving in America has gotten out of control. Parents lavish gifts on their children as an alternative to actually being there for them. The result is an entitlement generation that has an unrealistic expectation of what they perceive is due to them. They grow up expecting the government to provide everything for free. Sadly, our government has used those expectations to exploit people for political purposes.

It is one thing to receive a gift from someone we know, but it is an altogether different scenario when we are unexpectedly given a gift by someone we don’t know and who owes us nothing. God is the author of that unexpected and undeserved gift. Scripture tells us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV).

I am going to be Captain Obvious here because we sometimes fail to perceive the obvious. If I am given a gift, it does me no good unless I actually take it. I need to receive the gift, not merely acknowledge it. I may point to a package on the kitchen counter and say that it is my “gift,” but if I never open it, is it truly mine? It is of no benefit to me if it is left unopened.

The same holds true for God’s gift of His Son. I need to receive it in order for it to be of value to me. I need to believe that God sent His Son to give me eternal life and then tell Him that I have received the gift of His only Son.

How do I know if I have actually received the gift of the Son? If I receive it, my life will reflect the change. Scripture calls it transformation. I am now a new creation, and my thoughts, words, and deeds will be reflected in how I live. If I remain unchanged, then I have merely acknowledged the gift but never actually received it.

Eternal life is not just a life extended; it is also a quality of life not found in the world. It is a life marked by “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23) because He has given me the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who is working in me “to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

Not only that, but God continues to give to His children. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). Wisdom is needed if we are to live righteously in the midst of darkness.

Scripture goes on to tell us, “The Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). The Apostle Paul tells us, “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

God gave and still gives today to all who call upon His name. He gives because it is His nature to give.

Have you opened the free gift from your Heavenly Father? If not, what are you waiting for?

What say ye, Man of Valor?
Semper Fidelis!