“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17, ASV).

This time of year is known as the season of giving. Not only do we buy gifts for our family members and friends, but those who can afford to donate food and money to help others who do not have. Our hearts go out to make sure people don’t go hungry or without gifts for their children.

Why do Christians give? Why do even those who are not Christians give? I believe it is because we are all made in God’s image. Our Father who longs for us to be His children has given us something innate, something that pleads with us to help others who are in need.

We who know and love God understand. Giving is a part of God’s nature. He gives to all liberally. His biggest gift is His Son. Jesus gave His life for our lives, His suffering for our suffering, and His punishment for our punishment.

Besides giving His most precious Gift, our Father gives generously to all. He made the earth, the sun, moon, and stars, the whole universe to nurture and support us. We are God’s creation, and it is He who has given us life, the ability to learn and reason, and the gift of emotions.

God’s gifts are abundant. He doesn’t hold back on His blessings when we are lost in sin, for we know that He gave His Son to die for us even when we were sinners. Each of our Father’s gifts calls us to love and obey Him.

As we live for our Father, may we strive to be like Him. His love calls us to not withhold our love and help from those who need it. How can we not share with others what God has given us in abundance?

Hymn: “I Gave My Life for Thee”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I never be so stingy that I try to keep all your good gifts just for me. Help me to be like You and to give to others freely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Donna Wittlif, Denver, Colorado