Re-Gifting
by Steve Highlander

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” KJV

Some time ago I received a gift card to a restaurant from someone I did a favor for.  This couple had gotten married a couple of months before and my wife noticed writing on the card cover that the gift card had been given to the bride from her friend.  They passed that card along to me because they were not going to use it (vegetarians).  Ah, Re-gifting.  Nothing wrong with it, we enjoyed a nice dinner with our daughter and son-in-law in addition.

This beautifully illustrates today’s scripture.  The gifts we receive from God are not to be hoarded by us, but rather re-gifted to others. In fact, I am inclined to believe that the gifts really weren’t given to me, but rather through me to others.  This is what it means to be a “good steward.” I am to faithfully manage that which is not mine, but entrusted to my care.  These gifts are quite varied.  It might be the gift of salvation you share with a lost person, across the street or around the world.  It might to a gift of the Spirit, like a word of wisdom or a gift of healing.  It might be the tangible gift of blessings like finances, or other material resources.

Jesus sent His disciples out with these instructions “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure leprosy, cast out demons, freely have you received, so freely give.”  This is Re-gifting.  The bottom line is that every good gift from God can be re-gifted to others in some way.

Father thanks again for your good and perfect gifts.  Help me to understand the blessings I receive are not just to be hoarded by me, but rather distributed through me.  Please help me to be a prism, rather than a mirror.  In Jesus’ Name, amen!