It's exhilarating to know that God sets the standard for the best gifts when it comes to gift-giving. James 1:17 states, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." This passage is a sweet reminder that God's gifts are good and perfect.
Matthew 7:11 states, "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." This passage indicates that just as humans give pleasant gifts, our heavenly Father provides supreme and superior gifts. So, let's take a look at some of the amazing gifts our Father provides those whom He calls His children.
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1. Jesus
The very best gift God gives us as His children is Jesus. He was the most sacrificial gift God gave, which demonstrates His immeasurable love for us. Because of Jesus, we have access to all of the other gifts our generous, heavenly Father has to offer. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
2. Eternal Life
As stated in the previous gift, God gives us eternal life once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The precious blood of Jesus covered all of our sins, and as a result, God mercifully gifted us with the opportunity to spend eternity with Him in heaven instead of the fiery pit of hell.
3. Forgiveness
Forgiveness is another remarkable gift that God gives His children when we confess our sins. God does not have to do it, but He forgives us over and over. He loves us just that much. Micah 7:18-19 states, "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." God not only forgives our sins, but He casts them away and no longer brings them up. What an incredible gift!
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4. Holy Spirit
Have you ever found yourself saying "something told me not to do that" or, "something told me to do that?" Well, that something is Someone. The Holy Spirit. Jesus said in John 14:16-17, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." Two of the many names and functions of the Holy Spirit are comforter and spirit of truth. God gave us this ever-present gift to guide, teach, and comfort us whenever we need Him. God is such a great Father that He did not leave us unaccompanied.
5. Wisdom
Do you need clarity or direction? Are you trying to determine what the right decision to make is? God has the ideal gift for these concerns. James 1:5 states, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." God wants to hear from His children and grace them with His matchless wisdom so that you and I can be all that He has created us to be and so that He may be glorified. We certainly do not have all of the answers, so we should choose to accept the gift of wisdom by asking God for it just like we ask for a new job, finances, good health, etc.
6. Way of Escape
One sneaky (and sometimes not so sneaky) thing that creeps up in all of our lives is a 10-letter word. T-E-M-P-T-A-T-I-O-N. Temptation has our address, phone number, and email address. There is hope, though. God has just the right gift to help us when temptation comes knocking at our door. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." There is always a way out. We must open our eyes, ears, and hearts to accept the gift and proceed to the nearest escape route.
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7. Abundant Life
We have an enemy that is always on the prowl to see who he can devour, demean, and diminish. If the enemy had his way, our lives would be desolate, depressing, and deplorable. But God had a better gift and plan in mind. John 10:10 states, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." The fact that Jesus came to earth, died on the cross, and rose again canceled out the enemy's plan. Instead of an empty life, God gifts each of us with abundant life in Him. We just need to embrace this wonderful gift.
8. Spiritual Gifts
God created each of His children uniquely and gave each of us spiritual gifts. While all of us do not have the same gift(s), each of us is given gifts to edify the kingdom and point others to the Lord. The entire chapter 1 Corinthians 12 highlights an array of spiritual gifts and callings such as apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helps, governments, and diversity of tongues (verse 28). Additionally, other references for spiritual gifts can be found in Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Peter 4:10-11. The recurring theme surrounding spiritual gifts is service. Our heavenly Father gave each of us as His children spiritual gifts to serve one another.
9. Power, Love, and a Sound Mind
God gives His children a threefold gift that can combat fear when it arises. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." This gift bundle is valuable when the spirit of fear tries to seep in and cripple us. We can tap into power, love, and a sound mind to confidently pursue both great and small tasks that we are presented with each day, knowing that the spirit of fear is not from God. Embracing these gifts takes practice because fear can be persistent, but we must remind ourselves that God freely gives us power, love, and a sound mind.
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10. Beauty for Ashes
There are times in life when tragedy strikes, and we find ourselves in a season of mourning. God graciously has gifts for us during these seasons. Isaiah 61:3 states, "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." While we cannot avoid sorrow and pain, the gifts of beauty, joy, and praise are promised in exchange. We do not have to remain in a season of mourning forever, thanks to these precious gifts.
11. Peace
When we feel confused, uneasy, or anxious, God has the perfect gift. Jesus stated in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." His peace that surpasses all understanding is available for the taking. We must choose to accept the gift, and in exchange, give God all of our cares. We can lay them right at His feet, leave them there, and walk away with the gift of peace.
12. Victory
God gives His children victory. Not defeat, but victory! 1 Corinthians 15:57 states, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Through Jesus Christ, who overcame death, we as children of God always win. Trials will come. Situations may appear bleak, but defeat is not our destination. Instead of a period, there is a comma, and the gift of victory proceeds every storm and each tribulation. When we hold on to this gift, we can grasp hope in those moments where it seems like we have lost. After all, God reminds us that the battle is not ours, but it is His. When He is fighting for us, the result is always victory.
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Originally published Wednesday, 29 September 2021.
