“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” —John 1:17
On an episode of a popular American sitcom, a young lady gives her next-door neighbor an unexpected Christmas gift. He in turn reacts to her thoughtful gesture in a most unexpected way. Instead of being appreciative, he is perturbed by his neighbor’s show of generosity. In his mind she has not given him a gift, but an “obligation.” He explains to her condescendingly that “the foundation of gift-giving is reciprocity.” According to his response, she has unwittingly forced his hand in a classic game of tit-for-tat. He now feels socially obligated to purchase her “a gift of commensurate value” in return that will also match her “perceived level of friendship” between the two. From there, one man’s holiday dilemma, and a humorous plot line thickens.
The Yuletide act of gift-giving, despite what some may hold true, doesn’t always have to be reciprocal. Believe it or not, no law exists concerning gifts. Like other expressions of blessing, a gift can—and in most cases, should—be all of grace.
Take for example the eternal gift of life that God has extended to humanity in Jesus, His Son (see John 3:16). The cost of God’s gift to “His friends” can not be matched; His atoning sacrifice and abounding love can not be countered by man (see John 15:13). Not to mention, the Great “I Am” has need of nothing from the hands of poor broken sinners such as ourselves. By this, the gospel teaches us that the best way to reciprocate a gift is to simply receive it in honor, humility, gratitude, and love.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving and teaching me Your grace. This Christmas please help me to act in accordance to Your blessed will. Help me to give in grace and receive in grace freely. Amen.
“What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.”
—Christina Rossetti
FURTHER READING: Ephesians 2:1–10
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