Have You Received Your Gift?

“…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Many gifts were given and received yesterday.  Some were very expensive while others were humble but were given with as much love as the expensive ones. The most expensive gift ever given or received was the gift of God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Like every other gift, this Gift must be received.

I had an elderly aunt to whom my wife and I attempted to give Christmas gifts for years.  She never would open them saying, “Oh, you spent too much” or, “I’m not worthy.” Each year when we went again with another gift we discovered the one from the year before. We quit trying to give her gifts because she was not receiving them.

God’s gift to us is eternal life through Jesus Christ.  John 1:12 says that salvation is a result of receiving Christ by faith.  In Ephesians 2:8 we are told that salvation is a gift. And like every other gift, this one is free, or it is no longer a gift.  It is free, but I add, not cheap.

Have you received your gift so freely offered you from a heart of love?  Or, are you like my elderly aunt?  Don’t let foolish pride tell you that you don’t need it. His loving gift of eternal life will do no good to the person who does not receive it.