Gifts are a way to re-confirm or establish our connection with others, which means that they are a reflection of both the giver and the receiver. Giving a gift to someone we care about allows us to communicate our feelings and appreciation for them. Gifts can help build and reinforce relationships, they can be a way to show love and appreciation, and they can simply be a way to help someone in need.
Do you enjoy giving or receiving gifts? My wife loves to gives gifts. She is tremendously fulfilled when she can give gifts, and even more so to watch the reaction of someone who really appreciates it (she is a Type 2 in the Enneagram). I on the other hand, would much rather just receive gifts and not have to worry about getting a gift for someone (ok, I am a Type 8).
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
For most people, Christmas is about gifts. For those who are Christ-followers, Christmas is about God’s gift of Immanuel (God with us). James 1:17 tells us that every good gift comes from above — from God in Heaven. The Bible is very clear that, while God does not make our choice for us, he wants very much to give us good things.
I have listed 10 Gifts that God has given for us to receive that are the absolute best gifts you can ever receive, and they last your entire life and beyond. I encourage you to take time to look at the gifts to make sure that you understand what God has given. If there are any of these gifts that you feel are not part of your life, then I encourage you to look at the Bible verse and KNOW that it is yours as God’s child and open it for yourself. These are gifts that “keep on giving” as long as we receive them.
Here are 10 Gifts God Gives (if you choose to receive):
1. The Gift of Salvation
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
2. The Gift of Jesus
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)
3. The Gift of Peace
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27, NLT)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)
4. The Gift of The Holy Spirit
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit(NLT)
5. The Gift of a Spiritual Gift
There are different kinds of gifts. But they are all given to believers by the same Spirit. 5 There are different ways to serve. But they all come from the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:4-5)
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)
6. The Gift of Eternal Life
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him might not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
7. The Gift of Forgiveness
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. (Ephesians 1:7-8)
So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved; and he has showered down upon us the richness of his grace (NLT)
8. The Gift of Hope
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
9. The Gift of Children
Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3, NLT)
10. The Gift of Marriage
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18)
