“They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.” 2 Corinthians 8:5 NLT

 My mom has a birthday today. The number of her age is not as important as understanding she is closer to ninety than to eighty. I am still trying to wrap my head around that!

Birthdays are an opportunity to express love and appreciation. We usually give gifts, right? What gift does an almost ninety-year-old need? What is the best gift?

Perhaps you’ve asked that question as well. I’m learning that the answer has implications far beyond a birthday present for my mom.  

Jesus is the model for the best gift.  When God gave a gift to humanity He gave Jesus. John 3:16 describes the gift that matters most.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NLT

God gave His only Son to redeem our broken relationship with Him. The fullness of God dwelt in Jesus. (Colossians 1:19-20) When God gave His only son, He gave us Himself. Yes, Jesus sacrificed Himself, but then He also gave us the gift of His presence in the Holy Spirit. He is with us. Jesus gave us Himself. Not just on the cross, but every day.

Giving begins with a decision. At the right time, God sent Jesus, but He decided long in advance. (Galatians 4:4, Ephesians 1:4-5) From the moment of creation God knew humans could not maintain an intimate relationship with Him. (Isaiah 46:10) He knew Eve and Adam would succumb to the temptation to forge their own broken path and planned in advance to restore what was broken. Sending Jesus started with a decision based on our need.

I have realized what Mom needs most from me is myself. So, Tom and I are traveling to see Mom for her birthday. The realization led to a decision which led to an action. Have you realized that someone needs you? What action will you decide to take?

Giving requires sacrifice. God’s decision of love required sacrifice on so many levels. God’s decision to send Jesus demonstrates sacrifice. It cost God to send Jesus. It cost Jesus to come to earth and it cost Jesus to go to the cross.

For most of our married lives a trip to see Mom and Dad was a day trip for me and Tom. But not now. Because of our move, it’s at least a four-hour drive. Maybe you could make that a day trip, but not us. So, we will stay overnight and then drive home the next day. My point: It’s a sacrifice to give ourselves. It costs effort, time, and money to make the trip. But it’s worth it because it is the best gift we can give, the one that will mean the most to the receiver.

How willing are you to give the gift of yourself? Are you willing to make the sacrifice?

Dear Friend, giving yourself might be the most difficult gift to give. It will require a decision and a sacrifice. But if you are a Christ-follower then you have the best example of the best gift. Jesus showed us the best gift we can give to God and others is the gift of ourselves. The best gift I can give my mom is the gift of myself. And it is enough. The best gift you can give those in your life is the gift of yourself. And you are enough.  

 Key Question: What is the best gift?

A Scripture to Consider: “They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.” 2 Corinthians 8:5 NLT

A YES Challenge: Whom do you most want to bless? Decide to follow through on that desire. Determine the details of that blessing and what sacrifice it will require of you. Plan a time when you will give that gift.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the beautiful gift of my Savior, Jesus. It is difficult for me to comprehend exactly what it cost for You to send Him. Jesus, You willingly gave Your whole self for my sake and the sake of every human. You gave Your best gift and set the example for me. Help me to willingly give myself for the sake of those in my world. Show me the steps and the sacrifice. Empower me to follow through by Your Spirit. Amen.