"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…" -Ephesians 2:8
Growing up I remember being so excited to get my report card because I knew when I showed it to my parents and grandparents it would make them proud of me. Of course they would tell me they were proud, but they also showed it by giving me an award of some kind for my hard work.
While getting the reward of ice cream or money was always nice I valued the words "I'm proud of you" much more than any thing material they could ever give me.
Once I got into college I didn't get report cards so after a hard test or a paper that never seemed to end I would reward myself with a new outfit or new pair of shoes. I know it sounds silly and shallow, but it helped me graduate with a 3.9.
Awards are earned and many times worked hard for. We earn a pay check by completing the job at the end of the week, or we earn a degree by putting forth hours of work and studying. But, on the other hand, gifts aren't earned, they are simply given because of love in a wide variety of relationships; from parents to lovers to friends.
What I'm learning lately is that my mind is so set on awards that I don't understand and cant fully fathom any gifts from others or from God.
Abba brought this to my attention and showed me it hurts his heart that I can't seem to wrap my mind around the gifts he blesses me with. The thought in the back of my mind when He, or anyone else gives me a gift is usually along the lines of "I didn't do anything to deserve this."
And his response is, "You're right, because YOU don't have to do anything except receive what I so desperately want to give you."
I don't have to do a thing because my worth was paid for 2,000 years ago. Jesus paid the price and because I accepted that gift from Him I don't have to work for anything from above, I simply have to have open hands to receive what God has for me, while knowing that He blesses me so that I can in turn bless others.
I now have freedom to receive gifts simply because I am loved, and I know I am worthy because when God sees me He sees his son Jesus and that is more than enough! He is proud of me just because I'm his.
I encourage you to take a step towards that freedom with me. Know that you don't have to do anything to receive The Fathers love, mercy, or acceptance. Just simply receive because you are worthy thanks to the work of Christ! Abba is proud of you because you belong to him.
