Every Good Gift
“Every good gift and every perfect gift cometh down from above…” (James 1:19). Jesus came down from the Father. He is the greatest gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). What gifts does Jesus give?
He gives living water. “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst…” (John 4:14).. Jacob’s well, where this lesson takes place, provided water for the refreshing of the physical body. Jesus would give that which refreshed the spirit.
He gives the bread of life. “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). Jesus’ flesh was given for eternal life. It was given for the world’s redemption.
Jesus will give the gift of eternal life. “And I will give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). This gift requires that one hear and obey (faith, repentance, confession of Jesus and baptism) the voice of Jesus (Hebrews 5:8, 9). He will lead those that follow to the land of rest (Hebrews 4:11.)
Jesus has given us a great example. “For I have given unto you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you” (John 13:15). Peter tells us that we should follow that example (1 Peter 2:21). This example is to do as He has done (Acts 10:38). This gift will be passed on to others. We become a blessing to others as Jesus has blessed us.
Jesus has given us a new commandment. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye should also love one another” (John 13:34). Our love for others should reflect the love that Christ has for us. The degree of love that we have for others is an example of the love we have for Jesus.
Jesus has given unto the world His peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…” (John 14:27). While this might be spoken to the apostles He provides us with peace. He is the “Prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He provides peace through the cross (Ephesians 2:13-15). Don’t we and our world need the gift of peace (1 Timothy 2:2)?
Jesus has given unto us the word of the Father. “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:24). What a great gift. We have been given “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). This word will make us completely furnished unto good works (2 Timothy 3:17).
These are just a few of the gifts God has bestowed on man through Jesus the Christ. All of these gifts are good for us. These gifts are found in the book of John. May we always be thankful for what God has given, and that freely, to us.
Terry Claunch