Receiving a gift is complicated, isn’t it? Especially when it is in person. Have you ever had to open a gift from someone that turned out to be what you had given them the year before? I know I have! Have you ever opened a gift that far outweighed your expectations because of its value, either to you or to the giver? The phrase they use in the movies is, “I couldn’t possibly accept this.” But why not?
Sometimes the value of the gift is so far beyond what you could give in return that it feels extremely uncomfortable to accept it. There is no way you could match it or exceed it. Or sometimes you don’t want to accept a gift that will set an expectation of more and more extravagant presents for years to come. The investment of time, thought, money, and energy is overwhelming. Who can live up to those expectations? It’s better not to set the precedent.
Sometimes you feel like you can’t accept a gift because you do not feel worthy of it. What could you have done to warrant something so valuable? Who are you? God’s gift? YES!
“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24
You are a gift from God! God gave you as a gift to His precious Son, Jesus, because of His great love for Him. And God only gives good gifts (Matthew 7:11). You can see in Jesus’ own words that the gift of you is so valuable to Him that He wants you to be with Him. Have you ever seen a child who has a favorite toy that they take it with them wherever they go and they can’t fall asleep without it? Nothing can separate them!
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has You given them to Me is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
How wonderful! Jesus treasures you and will not allow anything to separate Himself from you. Why does Jesus consider you to be such an amazing gift? You may be tempted to answer that question with a list of your accomplishments, favorable character traits, reputation, and status. That is how the world defines someone’s worth, by a very fickle measuring system based upon self-effort and fluctuating values, opinions, and circumstances.
You may be thinking, “I can’t be a gift from God! I’m not good enough! There are too many things that I should be doing to please God, not to mention the things I am doing that do not please Him!”
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Your worth is not based upon any action or inaction that you take. God established your worth when He made you in His image. God confirmed that worth when He gave you to Jesus as a gift. Jesus validated your worth when He died on the cross for you so He could give you His eternal life.
In this Christmas season of giving and receiving, you can be assured that you are a valuable gift from God. You are worth Jesus’ life. Jesus does not regret giving His life for you. You were worth it. He wants to be with you. Jesus is thankful for the gift of you. Receive this knowledge of your true worth and hold it close. You are a gift. Your presence is His present!
Your true, unfathomable worth is determined by God. What have you used to measure your worth in your life? Achievements? Behavior? Effort? Others’ opinions of you?
How would your life change if you accepted the fact that your value is equal to Jesus’ life?
Ask the Holy Spirit to confirm your worth to your heart and spirit. Meditate over the fact that God’s Word says you are a gift from God. Let it to sink into your mind. Allow yourself to believe this truth.