Sweetest Gift

If you haven't discovered the benefits of e-clubs, you must check 'em out! Aside from interesting news and discounts from the vendor, occasionally there's a freebie - a free appetizer or dessert or product. Perhaps like me, you've been a Believer - a born-again child of God - a long time, and you need reminding (like me) about the free gift we have received from our Heavenly Father. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." and Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "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 no one may boast." By its very definition, a gift is something presented, transferred by one person to another without compensation (Noah Webster, 1828). Some of the sweetest gifts I've received have been those "just because" gifts - no special occasion like birthday, Christmas or Valentine's Day. Gifts given just because the giver found delight in me and showed me with a gift. This is The Gift we have been given by The Father through His only Son, Jesus. We were unlovable, unworthy and undeserving of anything yet God showed His love for us (Romans 5:8) - God loved the world so much He gave His only Son (John 3:16) - God set us free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) - God saved us by His grace as a gift (Romans 3:24). We should always be grateful for gifts but for God's Gift, the gratitude should run deepest: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3 ESV). Thank you, LORD, for Your ... sweetest gift.