27 Receiving Gifts Part 1

Receiving Gifts - Part 1
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Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” -- Luke 17:17-18 NASB

Does your reaction to God’s gifts please Him? Think of the feelings you get when someone is using and enjoying the well-thought-out gift you have recently given him or her. Perhaps it was a beautiful sweater that you had spent hours shopping for or a set of tools that your son is using to make his life easier. Whatever you have given, there is a great sense of satisfaction and happiness in not only receiving gratitude for the item, but in seeing the joy you have brought into the life of the loved one as he or she uses it.

On the other hand, consider the feelings you experience when the recipient of a gift does not express thanks, does not seem to enjoy it, never uses it, returns it, re-gifts it, or worse – leaves it unopened in the box. With such a response, you are bound to feel disappointed, unappreciated, and less inclined to bestow further gifts upon this recipient.

Likewise, your response to the Lord for what He gives you can delight Him or displease Him. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Meditate on the many gifts the Lord has given you. Recognize the boxes that remain unopened, and reveal their contents. Do not fail to use them and to express gratitude for each and every one.