Today's Devotional

 

 December 15, 2008

                                                                                                                        

Subject:  Unconditional Gifts 

Romans 11:29 - "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." 

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This is a great time of year.  Many begin to reflect on their blessings and their concern for others at this time of year more than any other.  Charitable giving increases everywhere and many contribute to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, famous cases like Toys For Tots or the ever-popular red kettle in front of stores around the country, The Salvation Army.  These are all nice gestures of good will that should be ever in our minds and hearts.  However I think that we need to see that while these are great things to do, they are conditional gifts.

Conditional gifts are given based on a pre-condition.  People may give to others because they see them as poor or needy in a particular area. They may give because they like someone or they like something that the person has done.  Sometimes we do this to show love and care for those close to us.  That's why God is so different.

I was thinking about God's gift-giving and how He does it and realized that His giving is truly unconditional.  He doesn't shun the wealthy or those who seemingly have more, He gives to them also.  When it comes to His giving, He doesn't reject those who reject Him or outright hate Him.  He gives to them as well.

God's gift of life was given to all men without any pre-conditions.  When He came with the ultimate gift, no one was left out.  That's a way to live Christmas every day.  That's a way to love like Christ - Unconditionally.           

Carlen