Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

How did you feel the last time someone gave you “just the right gift”? Generally, these are the gifts that the giver spent time considering before giving to us. It was exactly the right thing because the giver knew us intimately.

These perfect gifts are also extravagant — something we would not have bought for ourselves. They are impractical and give us a pampered feeling. Our focus, then, turns from the gift to the emotion attached to it. Someone loved me and gave me this special gift.

The Bible teaches that God has given us “spiritual gifts” (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4). These are special abilities that fit who we are according to the way God created us. These gifts are practical — we are to use them in serving one another. These gifts are also extravagant — they are not things we typically would give ourselves if we could.

There is also an emotional attachment to these gifts. This takes a little more effort on our part, but it is worth it. Think of it for a moment — the God of the universe took the time to consider each of us in intimate detail and gave us “just the right gifts.” The gifts were given out of love for us and those whom we will serve using them.

With this perspective, we can relax and enjoy the gifts God has given. We don’t envy others’ giftedness, we can appreciate that God has given us what HE wants us to have, according to the way he designed us.

When we delight in who we are and what we have from God, he delights, too. Remember how you felt when you gave a gift that the receiver rejoiced in? God has similar feelings (or rather, we have similar feelings of God).

Keep The light Burning!

Perry Greene

Crab catchers know that they do not have to have a lid on their basket if there are at least two crabs inside. One crab will not let the other one escape to freedom. They will pull each other down if either attempts to escape. Maybe that is why we refer to one another as crabby when we have a bad day.

The Bible gives us direction as to how we are to treat one another in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” What a great responsibility! We can be like the world, discouraging and harsh, or like Christ, encouraging and supportive.

Take the time to be an encourager. Lift people in your class or small group. You can be a modern “Barnabas” and help instead of hurt; encourage instead of discourage. What a thrilling opportunity!