More Precious than Words
As I shopped recently for the little ones in my family, I looked for books, modeling clay and trinkets. I thought about their temporary value. Past gifts have been outgrown or broken, used up or passed on. They cost only a little money and some time. The act of giving them makes me happy though. They are part of family rituals we enjoy. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church, he spoke at great length about the act of giving. The early church depended on the Corinthian gifts. There was a great need in Jerusalem because of persecutions. The offering were a lesson to the givers and those who received them. At the end of this passage, Paul says, “Because of this act of ministry, they (believers in Jerusalem) will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation (in this gift) for them and for all [the other believers in need], and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of god’s grace [His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed] in you.
Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]!” (2 Corinthians 2: 13-15 AMP my emphasis).
Paul was pointing out to those who read his letter that the act of giving to others demonstrates how we appreciate Christ’s gift to us. This column or blog has always been about giving a word or two of encouragement or instruction. We have desired to share as a body of women gifted with this great measure of grace. These words have been offered as gifts of time and energy, prayerfulness, even sacrifice. Those who write here have a burden for the broken, the discouraged, the lost and disillusioned. With all of our good intentions,however, our words are easier to give than what the Father gave. Like those children’s gifts I bought, our words are easily forgotten. God’s Word, though, became flesh and lives among us. His Son came as an offering, more valuable than anything Earth can produce.
I am so grateful for that indescribable gift and feel so inadequate to say so.
He is precious beyond words.
God’s Word is truly an incredible gift to us. May I always live by His Word, and reach out to the brokenhearted.
Such a gift! Enjoyed your post.