Gift Gifing - Proverbs 19:6-7

Proverbs 19:6-7 Gift Giving

At this time of "gift giving" it is a good thing for us to reflect on the condition of the old nature, the natural man. We often see it in children as they express what is the nature of all mankind - selfishness showing itself as disappointment with a gift, or the lack of something wanted. We commonly rejoice in the getting rather than in the love being shared.

But this is the mark of the old nature. This is what, as Luther says, we are to "daily crucify and put away with its sinful lusts". When our old nature rears its ugliness it should be a reminder of the need to avail ourselves of the gift of God, His grace and power to turn from sin with all its entanglements.

"Lord, let us not follow the natural course of things. Let us rejoice, not in the receiving of gifts, but in the giver of all good and perfect gifts and in seeing others receive the good things of God. May You be glorified and honored ... in our own life and in all those who behold Your work in us."

Amen - let it be so.
Shalom

Bob Goldsby

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City Harvest Church Vancouver, WA

Posted: December 28, 1996