THE MOST EXCELLENT GIFT

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts (I Corinthians 12: 31)

What is it that you have presently that you created? What natural endowment do you have that was gotten by your effort? All that you have, you were given, so what then do we have to offer or give to God.

Food is necessary for life and survival; clothing is necessary for a covering and for protection. There are many things we can do without. Can you live without a car, or a television set? or without a toaster? Can you survive without a dishwasher? Can you survive without a watch or television?

We may think that we need many different things to make us happy and content. Sometimes we say, “If I only had this or if I only had that, then I could be happy!” But these things are not as important or as necessary as we think.

Festive seasons are filled with joy and laughter. Fond memories and souvenirs, remind us of the occasions. Everyone looks forward to these celebrations because, apart from the friends and relatives we will meet, we will exchange or receive gifts. Therefore we await these periods or days with bathed breath and anticipation.

Everyone likes to receive a gift. A gift says you are appreciated, remembered, loved, and valued.  However, one cannot place any financial value on gifts received because they are just what they are – gifts.

The intention of the giver and the interpretation of the receiver dictate the ensuing drama whenever a gift is given and received. One cannot always accurately predict the reaction that will follow the offer and receipt or rejection of a gift.  But certain things standout about any gift, both the giver and the receiver have expectations. Therefore if we were to explore some of what are expectated of an ideal gift, we would say that a gift should have any or all of the following: value, usefulness, resourcefulness, easy to  maintain, affordable, credible, of some worth, reproducible and sensitive.

An ideal gift is unmerited, undeserved and has a value that far exceeds the receiver, the higher the value, the greater the reaction because the receiver knows they could never have afforded this gift. It’s also useful, no one appreciates a gift that is of no use to them and adds no value to their life. However, the gift should not cost so much to maintain that it becomes an albatross. Its maintenance should be affordable and is well appreciated even by onlookers or observers. Whichever way the gift is viewed the intentions are clearly seen as good and the gift itself signifies a good thing and symbolizes nothing malicious.

An excellent gift satisfies all parameters. All qualities of an excellent gift are found in the gift of Love. It cannot be bought and is hardly rejected. Its qualities are listed in I Corinthians 13: 4-8.  Which are: patience, kindness, no envy (content), not boastful (humble not proud), not rude (polite, soft spoken), generous and sacrificial not self centred, not easily angered (the sun should not set on your anger), keeps no record of wrongs (forgives, Matthew 18: 15 & 22), has no delight in evil, celebrates the truth and encourages it openly always, protects, trusts i.e. believes in the best concerning you, hopes, perseveres (long suffering).

An excellent gift that satisfies all parameters never fails (vs 8). Love is a gift to have and to share, to give. It will always be accepted and rewarded because God requests us to do so (Romans 13: 8).  God first showed us an example by giving us this most excellent gift of love even when we were still sinners.  He gave this gift of His Son so that we will not perish but be saved.  Having saved us, He has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation.  We should not fail to extend this gift of God’s love to others.

Have a fulfilled week as you appreciate God for His most excellent gift to you.

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon