Love in a Box

Gabriel, my 9 year old nephew, has the most generous heart of love. Since the age of 3, he has always prepared a gift box to present to me when I come for a visit. He starts collecting treasures beginning about 3 weeks prior to my arrival. The box is decorated and brimming with all kinds of “favorite things”. A handmade bracelet of strung beads, an ice cream stick snowflake with sparkly sprinkles, a crayon colored Bible verse, a heart on a chain, a picture of him and his brother Isaac, and a drawing of me. I have saved every one of the precious boxes. He was looking forward to my arrival with loving anticipation.

This precious child’s act of love makes me wonder, What am I collecting in the gift box of my life to give Jesus when He arrives?  People? Who have I told about Jesus? Who have I invited to church or to Bible Study? The hungry? Who have I fed lately? Widows and orphans? What lonely widowed friend have I spent time with lately? What organization that provides care for orphans have I donated any money to lately? Ministers of the Gospel? What encouragement have I given those working in ministry for the gospel? What missionary do I support with funds, prayers, and letters. The sick? When did I last deliver a meal to an ill neighbor? When did I last make that loving phone call or visit to just check on or cheer up anyone. Future generations in my family? When did I last talk about Jesus to our little ones and teenagers? Gratitude and worship? When did I last spend time with my Lord and Savior in pure worship and thanksgiving?

James 3:17 reads, But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Jesus speaks in Matthew 26:37-40, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?  The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

What are you putting in the “gift box” of your life today?

Lord, when You come for me I want to have the gift box of my life chock-full of gifts that I know You will love. Use me to be Your hands, words, or heart in the life of someone today.

Claudia Jackson