~ Peggy Berglund

Have you ever spent a lot of time, energy and money to get the perfect gift for someone only then to sense disappointment in their reaction when they opened the gift?  The sense of disappointment is confirmed when you know the gift item has been tucked away, never to be seen again or used.  The giver of a gift is honored when the gift is used and enjoyed.

Webster’s dictionary says a gift is something given to show friendship, affection or support.  Ephesians 2:8, 9 describes the Gift of all gifts “For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that on one may boast.” That gift is about more than showing friendship, more than showing affection or support.  It’s a gift coming from God whose depth, height and width of love is beyond our understanding.

As we approach Good Friday and Easter we are reminded of the great cost of that Gift.  Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus knew the cost but “…for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…”  He paid the price so we could be reconciled to God – to His Father. We are forgiven and accepted because He died.

That was an expensive gift – the most expensive gift.  He redeemed us, and as I Corinthians 6: 19-20 puts it:  “…You are not you own, for you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body.”

How can I honor and glorify the Giver of such a lavish Gift today?