Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9: 7

God Gives Cheerfully

There is a certain sentimentality many of us experience this time of the year.  Giving and receiving presents, baking, and eating, and enjoying time with people we care about is commendable, but if we fail to consider the gift of God, we miss the best part of the Christmas season.

In Romans, Paul tells us that God showed his love for us through the gift of Christ who died for us. Many of us do not even realize it, but the truth remains that each of us needs the gift of God.  We need the Savior who Paul describes in Galatians as the Son of God “who loved me and gave himself for me.”

How do we respond to this greatest gift?

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

As you go about your day today remember the gift of God.