Pass It On

The source of my salvation is grace. It has nothing to do with my worth or my worthlessness. It has nothing to do with anything I have done or could ever do. Even the faith that I exercise in receiving that gift of salvation, is a gift. Ephesians 2:8 (Personalized)

Receiving gifts as a love language is when ‘someone feels most loved and appreciated by receiving thoughtful presents. The key focus is more on the effort and care behind the gift than its’ monetary value.’ – AI Overview.

So far, we’ve looked at Words of Affirmation and Acts of Service expressed as God’s love language – a concept developed by Dr. Gary Chapman. Does God love to receive gifts as well? I know I do! Even the simple gesture of persons sending me pictures of the rainbow stretched across the sky, because they know I love it, shows me I am considered. This week, we will delve more into the love language of receiving gifts from God’s point of view.

Have you ever had to give a gift to someone who has everything?!? It can prove to be a very daunting task. Does Jehovah Jireh, who created and gives everything, need anything from us?

In the Bible, we see many instances where false gods are given gifts of gold, food, blood sacrifices, and a lot of crazy ceremonies and offerings with the hope of receiving good weather, success in war, and other things from them. Jehovah God constantly reminds us that He is the One true God (Isaiah 46). In His ten commands, He says that ‘we should have no other gods before Him.’ (Exodus 20)

Matthew 2:1-12 speaks of the first gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh Jesus received as a baby; whilst Mark 15:42-47 shows us the last gift–the tomb given by Jospeh of Arimathea, where Jesus lay after His sacrifice for the world. 

During His time on earth, Jesus received tokens of appreciation. He was invited to feasts and to dinners (Zacchaeus - Luke 19:1-10); a parade was held in His honour (Matthew 21:1-27). He was touched when persons expressed their faith (Roman Centurion – Matthew 8:5-13).

In Luke 7:36-49, the disciple records when Jesus was invited to dinner by Simon the Pharisee and an immoral woman kneels at Jesus’ feet weeping. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissed His feet and placed expensive perfume on them. Simon was put off by this gesture and Jesus tells him a story. Afterwards, Jesus tells Simon that he didn’t wash his feet nor greet him, but the woman anointed him.

Jesus is touched when we give him gifts too. The greatest gift Jesus received was humanity--me and you! We were bought with a high price (1 Corinthians 6:20) and Jesus prayed to His Father for his followers down through time in John 17. “I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and knew that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.” John 17:6-8, NLT

“God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Ephesians 2:8, NLT

That is why the Scriptures say, “When He ascended to the heights, He led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to His people.” Ephesians 4:8, NLT

“It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.” Hebrews 11:4, NLT

‘Consider how precious a soul must be, when both God and the devil are after it.’ - Charles Spurgeon

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the love language of receiving gifts. Daily we are amazed at the considerate, thoughtful action and care you provide for us. Help us through the gifts You freely bestow to us to give back to You willingly and cheerfully. Help us to give the gift You most treasure – our hearts and willingness to love and obey You. In Jesus name, Amen.

“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” – Leo Buscaglia

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15, NLT

“God has given each of you special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.” 1 Peter 4:10, TLB

Pass it on!

Be blessed to be a blessing.

K.I.M (Kingdom Inspired Messages)

Author of K.I.M