The Perfect Gift

The Perfect Gift

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly father is perfect.”(Mt. 5:48)

I wonder if other people encounter the same problem that I do every Christmas. That is, finding the “perfect gift” for someone who seemingly has everything. My wife is a very difficult person to buy for. She can’t find dresses or shoes that fit her petite frame. She is not big on jewelry or make-up. Perfume is not high on her list. What am I to do? How can I find that “perfect gift”?

   God gave us his perfect gift in the person of his Son, Jesus Christ. Born in a stable (or cave) with nothing but straw (or hay) for a bed, no obstetrician or nurse to help with delivery, the task of cutting and tying the umbilical cord fell to either Joseph or Mary herself.

   What kind of gift can we give Jesus seeing that he is perfect and has everything? The Scriptures state, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens, and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Col. 1:16 NASB) So, what kind of perfect gift can I get for one who is perfect?

   Not to be outdone, God has given us a list. It is found in Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” God wants you and me to exercise justice, kindness (love), and humility.

   There are two aspects to justice: (1) Inward character of right and goodness, (2) outward actions that show it. Love or kindness involves our willingness to show mercy to others. Both justice and love are connected and operate together—never independently of each other. (See Psalm 84:14; Dt. 10:18; Zech 7:8-10) Humility speaks of submission and honor. This is our ultimate purpose in life.

   Are you willing to give God these perfect gifts? They must be genuine and useful. God will be looking to see them practiced in your thought life, family life, work life, and friendships.