God's sacrifice, our gift

GOD’S SACRIFICE, OUR GIFT

 

…Justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).

 

           

I LOVE TO MAKE gifts. During high school and college, I didn’t have much money, but I did have spare time, so I used the time I had to make up for the money I didn’t. I did everything from making stationery sets, to painting ceramic figurines, and to baking cookies. My joy came from watching people’s reactions when they opened the gifts.

           

Now I’m much shorter on time, but I still make gifts whenever I can, because I love giving a part of myself. To me, it feels like a double gift. I never get tired of seeing others realize that I made something just for them. They appreciate the time and labor I put into thinking specifically of them.

           

Do you ever stop to think what a sacrifice it was for God to give us Jesus? He formed Jesus’ body as an infant. He poured hours into Jesus’ life and ministry. He was Jesus’ Strength and Confidante when no one else understood Him. And after all He did, God then gave Jesus up as a gift for us. He let go of His own Son so that we could be spared the punishment our sins deserved. We know it, yes. But do we think about it? Do we appreciate it? Do we thank Him for it?

           

—Rebekah J. Freelan

 

Acknowledge in prayer the labor God poured into His gift for you.