GIFTS GIVEN

Phil. 4:18-19 At the moment I have all I need---more than I need! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling aroma to God and pleases him. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now glory be to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.

Gifts given in love are a sweet-smelling aroma to God and He is pleased with them. Gifts can be anything we have that another person doesn't. Whenever we use what we have to bless others, it is a gift. Gifts are given to please others. Worthwhile gifts come from the heart and requires thought and effort on our part. You can usually tell when a gift is given insincerely.

When gifts are given, they should be received with thanksgiving. There is nothing more cruel to the giver of gifts than to have his gifts scorned or rejected. We must learn how to accept gifts with thankful hearts.

God blesses those who give cheerfully out of hearts of love. He will take care of all of our needs from the abundance and richness of His resources that are made available to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. God will never let a giver who pleases Him go without what he needs in life. Never.

Gifts are never given to be hoarded. Use what you need and pass it on so others can be blessed too. Gifts are given so that we might serve the Lord with them. He blesses those who bless others with their gifts. When we bless others with our gifts, we are investing in eternal life, both ours and theirs.

Whatever gifts you have been given, use them wisely and lovingly for the glory and honor of our Lord.