The Gift Must Be Opened
A devotional for Thursday
Scripture:
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son…”
John 3:16a (NLT)
Reflection:
A gift unopened is still a gift, but it is not yet enjoyed. God has given us the greatest gift imaginable – His own Son – but we still have a choice in how we respond. Some gifts are eagerly opened, while others are set aside, saved for later, or forgotten altogether. The danger is not rejecting the gift outright, but leaving it untouched. Belief, as Scripture describes it, is not passive agreement; it is active trust. It means incorporating the gift into everyday life, not storing it away for special occasions. Jesus is not a moral checklist or a seasonal tradition; He is the living presence of God with us. When we truly receive Him, He reshapes how we love, forgive, and live. The gift of Jesus was meant to be unwrapped daily, not admired from a distance. God’s love asks for interaction, not observation.
Question:
Have you fully opened the gift God has given or have you placed it somewhere safe but untouched?