October 1
Scripture: Rom 6:23
Source author: Jenni Davenport
October 1
Truly Free But the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:23
Here’s your free gift from St. Jude’s!” the envelope proclaimed. Usually such mail goes straight into the circular file. But I could tell without opening the envelope that it included address return labels, and I could certainly use some of those. But on the other hand, I had no money to donate. In a sense, I should be an ideal target for companies like this —I feel too guilty to use the labels or memo pads if I don’t donate, even if they proclaim, “This is a free gift for you!” We all know they expect money in return. But on the other hand, I’m not the ideal target because I’m so irritated by the fund-raiser manipulation that the mail generally goes in the trash unopened. As I debated whether to use my “free gift” from St. Jude’s or pitch it, I thought of Romans 6:23. What a blessing it is that God has given us gifts—like salvation and His love—that are truly free. No strings attached. We can’t earn it and God doesn’t manipulate us into giving Him something in return.
God’s gifts are free because His love is pure. — Jenni Davenport —