Only nine days until Christmas. People are in the midst of the hustle and bustle of buying gifts for family and friends. They may be wondering if the gifts they have selected will please the recipient. There are some gifts that are freely given. They require no hustle or bustle. These gifts should be given all year.
Gift of Love
Ephesians 5:2a, NKJV, “Walk in love, as Christ has also loved us and given Himself for us.”
We can and should give the gift of love. True love is not the emotion we feel one day and then decide we don’t love that person any longer. Love is a command. We are to love one another. I Corinthians 13 is referred to as the love chapter in the
Bible. A few things it states about love is that love is patient, kind, finds joy in the truth, bears all things and endures all things. Verse 8 says that love never ends. One gift we can give everyone is love.
Gift of Kindness
Ephesians 4:32, NKJV, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave us.”
The holiday season can be especially difficult for some people. Perhaps someone needs a kind word or just a smile. Growing up in a small Southern town, we always spoke to everyone we passed on the street and waved to passengers in every car we met. My father in law waved at every car that he passed. It was such a habit, once he waved at a cow on the side of the road. We still laugh when we think about it. Take a second to speak, say hello, smile. You never know who will need that simple gesture. It may surprise you how much it helps even you feel better. Give the gift of kindness.
Gift of Encouragement
Ephesians 4:29, MSG, “Watch the way you talk. let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, EACH WORD A GIFT.”
Bullying and bad mouthing has become a problem in our culture. To take advantage of someone who is weaker or less fortunate is devastating to that individual. The Bible tells us to build each other up. Say something encouraging that will be helpful.
Give the gift of encouraging words.
Receive the Indescribable Gift
I Corinthians 9:15, NKJV, “Thanks be to our God for the indescribable gift.”
God has offered us a gift. The indescribable gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
James 1:17, “every good gift and perfect gift is from above.” God’s gift to us is free. All we need to do is accept His gift.
Our gifts do not need to be purchased from a store. Make a habit of giving love, kindness and encouragement every day. These are the gifts that last.
Indescribable by Chris Tomlin
Paula Wallace
More Christmas thoughts:
https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2015/12/10/o-come-all-ye-faithful/
