THINK TOGETHER.
What's the best gift you ever received?
READ TOGETHER
Proverbs 19:6. Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
This proverb is very similar to 19:4. Everyone likes to be around someone who gives gifts. And giving gifts can be a good way to get people to do what you want. But Solomon's warning is that this is all foolish, and sinful, and even unjust.
A true gift is supposed to have "no strings attached." Do you know what that means? It means that if I give you something it is not because I expect something in return.
In ancient days the king might give the people gifts in order for them to support him and not rise up in rebellion. Or a wealthy person might give gifts in order to gain the support of the poor people just so that they could look good, and get a plaque with their name on it telling just how nice and generous they were. Can you think of examples of how people give gifts today in order to get what they want? (Ask your mom and dad about today's politicians) Have you ever given a gift just to get someone to like you? The problem is that when we give gifts just to get something in return, we are no longer truly giving a gift, are we? We are just making a deal.
The good news of Jesus is that he never gives gifts to us just to get something in return. Remember, he doesn't need anything, so he has nothing to gain and nothing to lose when he gives gifts. This kind of gift giving is called grace. Grace gives without expecting anything in return. Jesus offers each of us the gift of his love and forgiveness, and the gift of eternal life with God all for free. All without any strings attached. Have you received his gift?
Because of Jesus we have the best gift already, God's eternal life.
With Jesus we don't have to buy people's love, we can give gifts because we already love them.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Make John 3:16 a family memory verse.
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, thank you for giving me the gift of eternal life with you. Help me to share this gift with others too, just like you. Amen.
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