Handing Out Gifts

I love to get presents. Who doesn't? I really like the unexpected “just because” gifts. I have a friend, Vanessa (you know who you are,) who gives those kinds of gifts. She gives the “I saw this and thought of you” kind of prizes. They are always unpredictable and so much fun to receive.

Well, to my amazement, I found out Paul gave out such presents.

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-12

The words “Spiritual gift” comes from the literal translation “grace gift.” Paul wanted to come to the Romans and, SURPRISE, he wanted to give them a grace gift. Now I’m not taking anything away from the theologians and linguistics who have translated this like theologians or a linguistics would. But I think the Romans of the churches that received this letter got a little excited. I think they understood it to mean…Paul wanted to come to them and give out grace gifts. And who wouldn't want to get in line for those kinds of presents?

We need to give out grace gifts too. You know that unexpected note or card, or that hug of friendship when we’re not coming in or going out, or that “yay” with those who celebrate, or the “I’m praying for you” to those who are struggling, or celebrating with our brothers or sisters in Christ when they have a spiritual victory. Those are the kinds of spiritual presents we can give and should give. Those are the kind of gifts that we need to receive from each other. Those encouragements are gifts we can give because of the Holy Spirit that lives in us.

Oh, and I like that Paul realized that the giving of grace gifts would not be one sided. He said when he got together with the Christians in Rome that he wanted it to be a grace prize giving party. Well, he didn't say it in those words. He said he would encourage them and they would encourage him.

I can just picture their joyous meeting. I can just imagine the exchange of “God was there” stories. I can pretend to hear all of the answers to prayer testimonies. There would be excitement together and crying together and laughing together as they encouraged each other.

So let’s have a grace gift giving party.

You are invited.

And I will be handing out presents!