“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17
I’ve received many presents over the years for birthdays, Christmases, Mother’s Days, and anniversaries. Sometimes I’ve been given gold jewelry containing precious gems. Still none of these gifts comes close to the most valuable gift ever: Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation He gives. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:11 that if we, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our heavenly Father give good gifts to us!
When you open a present that’s been given to you, you do not respond, “It’s beautiful. Let me pay you for it right now!” The gift was given freely without any expectation of payment. The same is true when God gives: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
As nice as they are, our earthly gifts will fade, wear out, grow outdated, be forgotten, or be left behind after our days of life are over. But Jesus will never change; He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
When you open a present that’s been given to you, you do not respond, “It’s beautiful. Let me pay you for it right now!” The gift was given freely without any expectation of payment. The same is true when God gives: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
As nice as they are, our earthly gifts will fade, wear out, grow outdated, be forgotten, or be left behind after our days of life are over. But Jesus will never change; He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Scripture Focus
James 1:1-17
Insight
The Bible is a treasure trove, more exciting and precious than any other gift could ever be. Open it today to find the truth about God and yourself!
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 3-4
- Psalm 27
- Mark 7
