We often forget that the shoe is not more important than the leg, and the gift is not more important than the giver of the gift. Many times, we appreciate the gifts that we receive more than the giver of the gifts; and It ought not to be so. The giver of a gift, is not in the same league as the gift that he/she gives. This is because the giver of the gift, has conquered the barriers and hinderances that stops us from being good and willing givers. Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes”. The gift represents the giver’s intention, but it does not in any way depict who the giver is. Regardless of the value of the gifts that we receive, the giver is invariably more valuable than the gift that he/she give to others.
As children of God, we seldom forget to understand that Jesus is God’s gift to us in this world, however, God is greater, and He is the biggest and most significant Giver of all. Although Jesus is given to us by God, God deserves all the glory and adoration for loving us so dearly; that He sent His beloved begotten Son Jesus, as a sacrificial gift to save all mankind who choose to believe in Him. John 3:16, “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”.
Jesus is God’s gift of grace and wisdom to us all, and we can only significantly appreciate Jesus in our lives, by first truly recognising, appreciating and commending God(Yahweh), who willingly bestowed His precious and priceless gift of salvation and reconciliation to us. When we grasp this truth, Jesus will become more feasible to us; as a result, we will fervently and wholeheartedly bless God for His sacrificial and gracious love to us.
We cannot love Jesus more than we love God. lt is like saying we like the gift we are given, more than the one who gave us the gift. One major way for us as believers in Christ to grow fruitfully and be triumphant, is to recognise that if not for God’s love for us, Jesus would have never died for us. Jesus willingly died for our sins because God ordained it to be so for our sakes. So really, all the glory, honour and praise should go to God, for giving us the most perfect gift(Jesus). Titus 3:4-5, “But when the kindness of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit”.
The giver of a gift, gives true significance to the gift that he/she gives; and when we appreciate the gift more than the giver, we limit the emotional and mental worth of that gift. Bear in mind that the giver can give more gifts, but the gift we receive cannot reciprocate and give back. Therefore, we bear the responsibility of communicating our sincere gratitude, in recognition of the giver of the gift. A gift is easily replaceable, but it is not so with the giver of the gift.
What happens when we appreciate the giver of the gift rather than the gift?
1. It gives true meaning and worth to the gift. Romans 3:25, “God gave Jesus Christ to the world. Men’s sins can be forgiven through the blood of Christ when they put their trust in Him. God gave His Son Jesus Christ to show how right He is. Before this, God did not look on the sins that were done”.
2. The giver is prone to bless you more. Genesis 22:17, “Indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies”.
3. We develop the spirit of appreciation and gratitude in the process. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.
4. We have joy and peace in our hearts. Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.
5. We too are inspired to become givers ourselves. Acts 20:35, “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive”.
6. It pleases God that we act that way. Colossians 1:10, “So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”.
7. We open doors for God to increase in, and through us. Joel 2:28, “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions”.
Praise God!
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