The Surprise Gift

[They] were astonished . . . because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.

Acts 10:45

C. S. Lewis’s personal story in Surprised by Joy chronicles his journey to faith in Christ. The title reflects what he discovered: he was surprised by the joy he experienced once he received the free gift of salvation. He hadn’t realized that joy would come as a result of faith.

The Bible is filled with examples of how God surprised people. The apostle Peter was certainly surprised when he learned it was God’s intention to offer salvation through the gift of the Holy Spirit to Gentiles as well as Jews (Acts 10). And every Christian who truly understands the mercy and grace of God must stand amazed at the forgiveness God offers in Christ.

That we are accepted into, instead of banished from, God’s presence is perhaps His biggest surprise ever. Knowing how good surprises feel, have you surprised anyone lately with a gift of grace, appreciation, encouragement, forgiveness? Give someone today the pleasure of being surprised by your unexpected gift of love.

The better people know our faults, the more meaningful are the surprise gifts we receive from them.