Free Gift

I love freebies! I enjoy couponing and generally participating in all things frugal! I jump at any opportunity get something free almost to the point of obsession--they are almost irrestible!

This morning I was reading Paul's letter to the Romans and I was reminded of the words of young man I knew several years ago. He said, "I just think Jesus is irrestible." Wow! Doesn't that make you stop and think? And I agree - to be a bit crass: Jesus is the best freebie this sin-filled world has ever received--that I have ever received!

Paul is passionately in love with Jesus as well - Jesus is clearly irrestible to Him, too. Sometimes when we're in a the midst of difficult situation, having a hard time making it through our current circumstances, or dreading some future event, we forget about the freedom we have in Christ - and through Him. We have no need for fear or worry or dread. Rather, we have the free gift of grace, which is the source of our hope!

"For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)" (Romans 8:22-25 NLT)

There's a saying quoted often: Freedom isn't free. In the case of our human existence, as it applies to the United States, this is a valid statement. In the heavenly realms, though, it really is "free" in that all we have to do is accept Jesus' irrestible gift: the sacrifice of our sins on the Cross. He died so our sin would die, and he rose so we would be made new. In spite of mankind; even knowing that two thousand years later, we would still be seeking after other, lesser gifts, He gave us the free gift of grace.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners" (Romans 5:3-6 NLT).

So many, including my family and I, are struggling with various life issues. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in worry, stress, anxiety, fear. In times of trouble, we need that "freebie" even more - and remember to take it, use it, own it - and pass on the good news to others.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:28-30 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary