Strong spirits: gifts
Because God knows us best, his gifts always fit us perfectly.
It's May. I know lots of people who are graduating - high school, college, post-graduate degrees. I also know a number of people getting married, either in this month or the next. What do these have in common?
Gifts. Giving gifts to commemorate an achievement or to celebrate an event is a common way that we show our love, appreciation, and esteem. My wife is an excellent gift-giver - just the right thing for the occasion. Sadly, I am not, but she makes up for both of us.
Jesus makes a point of our gift-giving to teach us something about God, our Father. He says, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:11). We have a heavenly Father who wants to give us good gifts, not for an event or an accomplishment, but simply because he loves us! And because he knows us best, his gifts always fit us perfectly. All that's required is that we ask.
Don't be shy. Your Father loves you and is waiting to give you something wonderful. Just ask.
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
