The Layers of—God’s Gift of Love
Have you ever received a gift-wrapped box, one where you tear open the wrapping and to your surprise—there is another gift-wrapped box?
Have you ever opened that second box, anticipating now that just maybe the true “GIFT” will soon be revealed, and when you tear open that second gift-wrapped box, you find (to your delight) ANOTHER gift-wrapped box?
Oh, what fun this gift-opening has become. Now, you hold your third gift in your hands and truthfully you ponder in your mind, “Will this gift reveal the true “GIFT” or will this gift reveal ANOTHER gift-wrapped box?”
Oftentimes, I have seen this delight of gifts used when someone is going to propose marriage and the “ultimate, final GIFT” reveals to the girl’s excitement—an engagement ring.
Other times, I have seen this delight of gifts used when the person giving the gift to another person is someone who looks at the “fun” that can be found in gift-giving.
Regardless of the reason, this JOY, this type of gift-giving always brings smiles, laughter, and a surprise with each gift-wrapped package. When we consider the GIFT of GOD’S SALVATION God has given to us, it is quite possible to see the “layers” of gift-giving that God has given to us.
Please do not take my word for this, but instead, SEE WITH ME God’s Word. Without a doubt, the Bible reveals the truth of God’s love for His creation and the way He provides “layers” of love and joy for us. The writer of Romans (the Apostle Paul) speaks to Christians, to those who have been justified by Christ, to the believers who have taken God’s Word into their hearts, by faith, and who are now walking with Jesus by faith.
“For while we [the lost who are now saved by the blood of Jesus Christ] were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”
(Romans 5: 6-11)
Did we catch the “layers” of God’s gift He has given to us?
While reading this Scripture, the “while we” was juxtaposed near the “much more by God.”
While typing, I highlighted the “much more by God” in BOLD RED to reveal the LAYERS & LAYERS & LAYERS of GOD’S LOVE for us—the ungodly, the sinners.
Thank You God for the “much more” You have given.
Thank You God for the “layers” of Your gift of Salvation.
Thank You God for Jesus.
Thank You God for Your gift of reconciliation.
Thank You—GOD!
As I read and type these words today, I am struck by the truth of what God expects of us (the “ungodly” who have been reconciled). Truly—It matters where our heart is with God. Each day, we are given numerous opportunities to speak Jesus to the world around us & to demonstrate the love of God to those who walk and live beside us & to witness to those who are still lost and remain separated from God. Each Day! Truly—It matters where our heart is with God.
George McDonald said it this way: “While the mind is occupied in inquiring, ‘Do I believe or feel this thing right?’ the true question is forgotten: “Have I left all to follow Him?”
The Layers of God’s Gift of Love (our faith-walk) is both a noun (a belief, a revelation) & a verb (an action, a response, an obedience.
Our faith-walk is seen in our total commitment to the Holy Spirit of God!
May we see with clarity this Amazing Gift we have been freely given.
May we reveal WHOSE we are by our actions that flow from our hearts filled with gratitude for God’s Gift of Love.
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,
in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”
(Ephesians 2: 19-22)
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
(2 Corinthians 5: 20-21)