Daily Power #352

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Most years at Christmas, Amy and I practice what we call the “nogift-giving rule” with each other. Because we have everything we want and need, we just say we’re not going to exchange gifts. But inevitably, I break the rule each year and go and buy her something just to show her how much I love her. After it happened enough times, she learned to expect it, despite the fact that we had just talked about following the rule. But I have to do it.

Why? Because I’m crazy about her. I can’t stop myself from giving her gifts. And she always says, “Hey, you broke the rule!” And I always say back, “I know, but love gives. So take this gift and love it, because I love you so much.”

Keep in mind, I haven’t always been this way. Sadly, for years, I was often more concerned with myself than with others. Rather than giving, I focused on keeping. Rather than Christ and others dominating my heart, I was focused on myself and what was best for me.

But when I met and married Amy, my heart changed. Now I can’t keep myself from giving her good gifts. When you love someone, you give to them. Love gives. The Christmas season reminds us that God gives. Just as God gave us his only Son, we give our lives to him and give to those around us.

Power Lift

Dear God, thank you for giving so generously, including the most precious gift of all, your only Son.