THE GREATEST GIFT
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)
What’s the greatest gift you’ve been given? Can you remember it? People always say it’s better to give than to receive, which is true, but I’ve gotten some awesome gifts in my life! One thing I’m bad at is slowing down and reflecting on the gifts I’ve been given. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters, especially during seasons of giving, when gifts are exchanged, and material items often dominate our attention.
The Bible offers a radical answer: God's greatest gift is Jesus Christ, His Son, given to the world for our salvation. This gift is not temporary or fleeting, but eternal. Unlike the gifts we exchange with one another, this gift doesn't come with a price tag, nor is it based on our merit. It is given freely, motivated by God's love for us.
Lets be honest John 3:16 is a verse we’ve probably seen some guy with crazy hair and poster sharing on a street corner or at a sports game. Don’t let your familiarity cause you to take this gift for granted! God’s love is so deep and expansive that He gave His Son, the most precious gift, so that we could have the gift of eternal life. Jesus didn’t just come to heal physical ailments or to perform miracles.
APPLICATION: Make sure to unwrap and treasure this gift in this season!
- Receive the Gift: If you have not yet received the gift of Jesus, know that it is available to you today. It's as simple as believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and that He rose again to offer you new life. Accept Him into your heart, and begin a relationship with Him.
- Share the Gift: The greatest gift we have ever received is not meant to be kept to ourselves. Once we experience God’s love and grace, our hearts should overflow with the desire to share it with others. This could mean sharing your faith, showing kindness to someone in need, or simply extending love in practical ways.
- Thank God for the Gift: When we truly grasp the magnitude of God’s gift, it transforms the way we live. We no longer live for ourselves, but for the One who gave His life for us. Live with gratitude, knowing that nothing in this world compares to the eternal life you've received.
PRAYER: Spend time thanking God for the gift He’s given you! Ask God who you can text an encouraging word or thought to? Make sure you pray for them! Then share the gift with them!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?