I am going to start with a disclaimer: This post is going to be weird for some audiences but for some of you, this would be right up your alley.

Have you ever received a gift from someone and not felt right about it? It is Christmas season and as usual, it is season for gift exchanges. Earlier in the year, I had a conversation with some members of my family about whether or not a Christian could accept gifts from someone who is a known worshipper of “foreign gods” and I was first introduced to this scripture:

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 NIV

We know that some people are desperately wicked and have ill-intentions and take advantage of the season to carry out evil through gift giving and sharing food. However, this scripture assures us that nothing is to be rejected if received with thanksgiving- the gift is consecrated by the Word of God and prayer. However, it is not only important to sanctify gifts received always and bless the giver, but it is also important to listen for God’s direction regarding the use of gifts received. Sometimes when we are blessed with things- they are for the benefit of others and God’s direction may be to send that blessing the way of someone else. And when we obey, there is even greater blessing in that.

And so in this season, it is imperative that we receive all of God’s bountiful blessings with thanksgiving (which sanctifies and consecrates the gifts) and with a heart of obedience. Let us be intentional in our posture in receiving gifts.

Yours Truly.