You Have More Gifts To Give

The presents have all been opened. Christmas is done. For your children, next Christmas seems more than a lifetime away. I remember feeling sad that there were no more gifts to open, even as I was surrounded by presents and empty boxes! As I look back, I am amazed at how quickly gratitude was replaced with a self-centered longing for more stuff. Not pleasant thoughts!

Now as an adult, I find I still quickly forget God’s kindness to me. His goodness to me is quickly forgotten and replaced with, “I need more.” Losing sight of God’s goodness skews my understanding of reality. The truth is that God’s faithfulness to me never stops! God is relentless in his pursuit to bring joy to our needy souls. He cannot be out given. No matter what circumstances you face, the unfailing love of God is constant. Christ is constantly interceding for you.

This magnificent love transcends the difficulties of daily life. Each morning the wonder of Christ is yours again. This is not a gift that you have earned. As David says, God does not treat us as our sins deserve. This is the precious truth that we conveniently forget, easily forget. Even when life appears hard, God is still faithful. His faithful love is greater than anything you can imagine.

Even though Christmas Day has passed, if you view your life through the lens of God’s faithfulness and gratitude, you have more gifts to give to those you love. You can start with not requiring others to earn your love and your favor before you love them. Love as God loves you! You can’t earn his love. Don’t require others to earn yours. 

Give this gift of love to your spouse, to your children, to those God brings your way. Give because God gives to you. Let your life be a testimony that God never stops giving good gifts! Rejoice that the Lord is your our good portion, now and forever:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him. (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Shepherd Press