Character Education: God is Generous

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Character Education: God is Generous

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Psalm 34:8-10

I have a hard time with surprises and gifts. Several times in my life, someone else’s idea of “good news” or a “surprise” turned out to be disappointing or hurtful to me, and my natural inclination is to protect my heart. Of course, you’ve already seen this week that I struggle with trust issues!

When it came to accepting God’s gift of salvation, this particular hang-up really hindered me. I struggled with the idea that He could possibly know what is best for me; submitting to His plans for my life was practically impossible. Step by step, He has patiently held my hand and proven Himself faithful over and over again.

God gives good gifts. My first step was a small one. Even while it was hard to trust that God always knew what was best, I could thank Him for blessings. The Bible says that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). He also says that He has given us every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3)!

God does not withhold good things. Next, I learned that God isn’t holding out on me. Isaiah 30:18 says that He longs to be gracious and compassionate to us, and Psalm 84:11 says that he doesn’t withhold any good thing. But here’s the one that still pierces my heart every time I read it: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:31-32). How could I ever doubt His incredible generosity when He has already given me the most precious gift possible?

God offered His very best for you. Finally, I came to understand just what God’s gift meant. Romans 5:6-8 says “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” While I shook my fist at Him, Christ died in my place so that I would not have to suffer eternal separation from God. Oh, the depth of His love and grace! (See also John 3:16 and Ephesians 2.)

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.*

Thank you, Lord!

*Lyrics from “How Deep the Father’s Love” by Stuart Townend

Jennifer