About giving gifts

[steve in so la]

At Christmas, we give gifts to the people we care about, the ones who have been kind to us over the past year, or the ones who have given us a gift first. We don't give gifts to the person who has been slandering our name, or to the angry neighbor who never has a kind word to say. Yet God gave us His gift when we were His enemies. He didn't give this gift to us because we deserved it. In fact, it was just the opposite. The Bible tells us, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8 NKJV).

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

We didn't deserve it! But I am thankful for it!

 

[rentasquid]

n/t

 

[Jamie(MI)]

Are we suppose to practice the things He did? Are we suppose to forgive,and love openly the ones that do us harm? I think so. But what does that look like? Does that mean that I am suppose to love and encourage a unfair and unloving co-worker, boss, brother or spouse? How about a murderer, rapist, abortionist, politician, state archaeologist^(*%&^&####&^***%$*())%^$%)(&_&,?????

I think so ! But what does this look like? How can we practice it? Is this a way we can show we are Christians? Is this the way we practice the love Jesus talks about? What do you guys think?

Have we ever heard of Corrie Ten Boom, Bon Hoeffer, Eric Liddle, JIm Elliot, Paul, John, Peter...?

 

[steve in so la]

We try to love all but being human we cannot, I believe. Some people say they forgiive and love a person who killed their child, etc .Dont think I could do that. If we were able to do all we'd get the job ! Steve in so az

 

[Paul(NWO)]

Christ loved us in spite of knowing us. Hard for me to love someone that way who is unlovely. Maybe the lack of knowledge is a gift from God so we can give the gospel to those that need it?

 

[Jamie(MI)]

Well I know He said we can do AL things through Him, but it would have to be with his strength as I am with you. I think maybe he just wants us to be open to loving the ones we feel we can't.

 

[gvanvekoven]

I have tried to give some people gifts I don't really like much - in hope they would ease up or become humans. Some of those just got more vengeful - perhaps testing me - or because they were simply evil - possessed - or whatever. I have talked about this with others more knowledgeable in the Bible than I am and have got mixed responses. Some say you have not really forgiven a person unless you have also forgotten what they did (Forgive and forget). Well, the only one that I know of that is able to do this is God -who, through the blood of Christ, will do (or better - has already done). I think the best gift for a murderer, rapist, or child molester is the gift of capital punishment. I know this is just too deep for this forum - crosses denominational lines, and I could be wrong. Not my goal to stir up controversy or anger - I hate controversy more than anything.

I guess it's possible that giving a state archaeologist a gift might turn their heart to gold - well, maybe it would! Could be worth a shot.

You could try it, and then check them with your detector. If it does not sound off - I guess you have waisted your money. Just don't cut their heart out if it does - that would probably not be the best thing to do. More than likely just a false signal (iron or trash). Not worth the risk of having the capital punishment thing kick in.