  O NOT BE deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. James 1:16-18 NKJV
How would you love to be known as the perfect gift giver? Not just at Christmas, but birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and showers? The title alone would give you notoriety for sure...not to mention the reputation of a genius. Why do I say "Genius"?
It's pure and simple: It's not easy finding the perfect gift for someone. You have to know what they like, need or want; their particular tastes, styles and whether or not it fits into their own personal lifestyle.
It takes real time and effort to give the perfect gift and the reality is, it never comes without a cost. The perfect gift giver usually spends time and effort into every detail from the personal gift that is unique for that particular person or one that is needful. This thoughtfulness goes beyond the normal thought of giving, to a genuine care or concern on whether or not this person will utilize, benefit and enjoy this gift long after they received it.
I know personally I fall short as a "Gift-Giver" but when I stopped to think about who I knew was the perfect gift giver; only one person came to mind. God!
- "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. NKJV - John 3:16-17
Let's think about this for a moment shall we? The three main qualities of a perfect gift giver are; thoughtfulness, personal time and effort. You see God gave above and beyond what we can imagine or think. He gave us a gift that was more than thoughtful; it was personal, sacrificial, beneficial, eternal, and full of unconditional love.
As we take a closer look at these heavenly qualities, I pray that you would remember that He did this for you personally and when Jesus took up the cup of suffering and hung on that cross He had you on His mind. This understanding alone I hope touches your heart as it does mine.
Sacrificial: God willingly sacrificed His only begotten son and Christ consented, that the requirements of the law would be fulfilled and the punishment of death that was due was paid in full through Jesus, who bore our sins and iniquities and took up our offenses. (Acts 13:33-34, Romans 8:1-4, Isaiah 53:5)
Beneficial: In receiving Jesus Christ into our hearts by faith through His grace we now have new life that is eternal, born from above through the Holy Spirit, no longer born of this world but heirs with Christ in the kingdom of Heaven. (2 Corinthians 5;17, Ephesians 2; 8-10, Romans 10; 9)
Personal: Also, in receiving Jesus Christ as our savior and Lord we also have a personal relationship with Him. One that is closer than a brother and more than a friend. We can now come boldly to the throne of grace in our hour and time of need and know that He hears us because we are now His children and can cry out, "Abba" Father! (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6, Hebrews 4:16, John 15; 13-15, Proverbs 18: 24)
Un-Conditional: God's unconditional love is proved in this, that when we were dead in our trespasses and sins He still died for us. God did this that none would perish but all would come to repentance because He loves us and cares for us deeply. (Ephesians 2; 4-7, 2 Peter 3; 9, Isaiah 43:4-5, Jeremiah 31; 3, John 15; 9, John 15; 12)
I encourage you to look up these scripture references; they will bless your heart and soul. I don't know about you but after reading this list I am sold that God is the ultimate and perfect gift giver in this world and the question is, "Have you received this free gift of grace for yourself"?
If you receive His free gift of grace, confess your sins and believe by faith that Jesus died on the cross for you as your Lord and savior; you have everything to gain and nothing to lose but if you choose to reject this gift of salvation, you have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Without a savior the bible says that we are condemned to hell where there is a weeping and gnashing of teeth. Eternal damnation is destined for those who do not receive the gift of God's grace. God's whole purpose to send His son was to save you from hell punishment and death.
There is a great deception that all roads lead to heaven but the scriptures are clear that there is only "One" road and that one road is one person, Jesus Christ. Don't be deceived!
- "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." NKJV - John 14:6
The bible also says, to choose this day whom you will follow. Remember that Jesus is the reason for this season, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6) Please choose life! God's Gift is free but know it did not come without a cost and only Jesus could pay that price and willingly already has for me and you that we might have life and life more abundantly!
I hope after reading this, you have received the "Perfect Gift" from the "Perfect Gift Giver" and if you have... plea
Filoiann Wiedenhoff is a Pastor’s Wife, Work at Home Mom, Woman’s Biblical Counselor, Bible Teacher and Writer. You can subscribe to her monthly newsletter and visit her website.More columns by Filoiann Wiedenhoff
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