Love's Greatest Gift

By Karin Paparelli

As I recall some of my most favorite gifts, I think of gifts given to me by my Father in heaven; my husband, Tony, and our three children, my family, friends, our close knit church family. I also recall material, tangible gifts given to me by those I love; Tony's engagement gift of a diamond ring, a bouquet of dandelions in a tiny fist, a hot meal during times of crisis. These recollections of gifts are pleasant, joyful. They remind me of how much I am loved by both my heavenly father and my family on Earth.

But there is a gift that goes beyond all other gifts. And this gift didn't come in a black velvet box. There was no warm embrace, or tears of joy. Instead it was wrapped in agony. Sealed in pain. Tied up with rejection. But given in the fullness of love. It was a gift born out of sacrifice which brought abundant life to all who receive it. For this gift demonstrated how much we are loved by God. "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) God gave his Son, and Jesus gave his life, that we may receive the gift of salvation.

Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this , that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) Jesus has called us friend. He laid down his life for us. He endured the scorn and rejection of men, bore the weight of our transgressions, and died a torturous death on the cross. Why? Because He loved us. He willingly laid down his life, yet only to take it up again and be seated in glory at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Gifts in this life cannot compare to the glory of heaven, which is prepared for all that believe in Him. Jesus said, "rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven." (Matthew 5:12)

This gift of eternal life is freely given, but you must receive it. As with any gift, an exchange occurs. One offers and the other accepts. God has offered us everlasting life, abundant life, have you accepted it? Do you know what is required of you to accept this gift? Belief in the One who has given the gift. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me." When you place Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life, He gives you eternal life. Jesus prayed the night before he was taken, "Now this is eternal life; that they may know you , the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

Are you a friend of Jesus? Have you received His gift of eternal life? Would you lay down your life for Him? That is what He called us to when He said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (Matthew16:24-25) Some have given it all to follow Him and have died a martyrs death, but for most of us it is daily dying to self . Dying to self is no easy task. There is a struggle within to have our own way, even when doing the Lord's work. It is possible to be doing good deeds in the name of the Lord for all the wrong reasons, or in the wrong season. But to lay all of that down to go where He is calling us, in His time, or perhaps to wait on Him is a gift unto Him. We then sacrifice our personal desires, what we think should be ours to pursue, to listen once again for the whisper of the Lord.

To lay down our life and let the Lord live in and through us. This is the gift we can give back to the Lord, to the One who gave it all for us. That He may be glorified on Earth. We could never repay God for his awesome love in Jesus Christ, but if we love Him, we would do well to remember that "greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." What a privilege and honor to call Jesus friend!

May you walk in His grace. Thy kingdom come!

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