Gifts

"You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives." (Luke 21:5–19)

Have you ever felt obligated to give a gift? A straightforward approach in those situations is to just decide how much to spend and purchase something that seems appropriate. Often there isn't much thought given by the gift giver, and likely the gift receiver's appreciation matches the giver's enthusiasm.

Think about some of the more memorable gifts you have received. Your list probably includes gifts of little value by earthly standards, yet they were priceless to you. Why is that? How is it that something that appears to be valueless can actually be priceless? Likely it is because those gifts were from the heart. What about a card from your wife that encourages you during a challenging time at work? I still have that one. What about a bookmark from your 9-year-old daughter that says, "I'll love you forever. I'll like you always. As long as I'm living my daddy, you'll be." I still have that one, too. And there are others. I am blessed to have many heartfelt gifts. Stuff comes and goes, but gifts from the heart last a lifetime.

As I consider the significance of the widow's offering, it clearly touched Jesus' heart, not because of the amount but because of her motivation. Her gift was a reflection of her heart. Jesus made a point to tell those nearby, likely His disciples, what was happening. As we consider the significance of Jesus' gift to us during the Easter season, may we never forget that it is a gift from the heart. By earthly standards, another man died. The ultimate gift was given by heavenly standards, one so great that it bridged heaven and earth. "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" (John 3:16).

It is a gift from the heart of God.
Have you accepted His gift?
It doesn't just last a lifetime; it lasts for eternity.

LET US PRAY - Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Saviour, a gift from Your heart. Help us share this gift with others during this Easter season and throughout the rest of the year. In Jesus' name. Amen.