Gift– A Story of Relationship

Pro 18:16  A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. 
	
	When a gift is given there is usually a tag on the front with a "to" line followed by 
a "from" line. Sort of simple and very basic- a gift will always have a giver and a 
recipient, and in the substance of the gift is a contribution their relationship. As the gift 
precedes an encounter, it makes a way for an opening of the heart to relationship. While 
the intent of the giver may be to provide for a need or just be a token of a heart-felt 
expression of love, there is an unavoidable effect upon those involved. While this is true 
at any level, the magnitude of the effect is directly related to the significance of the gift 
itself. In the giving of a small item of little meaning or investment, there is little reason to 
be drawn beyond much more than plutonic gratitude. But, as the gift takes on a more 
personal nature, with a reflection of the very heart, nature, and life of the giver, there is 
increasing impact made upon the one to whom it is given. When this gift is received, 
along with an awareness of its price and an appreciation for the giver's intent, it has the 
potential to bridge barriers and forge unbreakable bonds of friendship. 
	This is the principle upon which redemption and salvation is based. This is how 
reconciliation is brought to pass. As the fall of Adam brought a great rift in the 
relationship between God and man, it would take a gift of a very personal and valuable 
nature to go before the encounter of God with each of those He would befriend. It 
couldn't be a mere token of appreciation, an item representing an earthly value alone. It 
would have to be something that would represent the substance and nature of God 
Himself, something very near and dear to His own heart. In Jesus there is significance 
that far surpasses any gift of an earthly relevance. He is the greatest treasure of heaven 
and in Him is the greatest significance of any gift given. For every one whose name 
occupies the "To" of the gift of Christ there is an enormous potential in relationship. In 
honoring and cherishing Him alone above every other blessing that will be known, there 
is a rift mended, a bond formed, and a future secured with the Giver of ever good and 
perfect gift. 
	

12/17/05