You Have a Package to Open

Opening the Gifts God Gives Us

May 2014

Kathleen Maxell-Rambie

Newspaper article

One of greatest thing next to God’s great love for us, is the gifts He continually gives to us each day. God’s gifts come with no strings attached, simply because He loves us and wants us to have the best life possible. He is good.

Often times I have witnessed people trying to earn brownie points with God instead of resting in His love and walking in the righteousness that He provides. Sins and failures,  can keep us trapped in the in the cycle of guilt and shame; they are not from God. The guilt and shame cycle can get people trying to do good things to earn His love and favor.  Another one of life’s traps is  the sin of self righteousness...which sounds like this: “I’ve done this right, I have done that right, therefore, I am righteousness.”There are many Christians that walk around in this religious mindset instead of being honest and transparent. The root of this is pride, and God is not impressed with pride.  All are traps that keep us from the gifts God wants gives us.

Pride is something God put his finer on in my life years ago and continues to show me when I’ve stepped over that line again. What does a proud person look like? Typically, they must prove they are right and have their own way. They have to prove that they are right instead of asking forgiveness and admitting their wrong. They are critical and fault finding instead of being compassionate. Proud people are quick to blame others instead of accepting personal responsibility and looking at where they are wrong in situations. Self righteous proud people have a hard time saying,”I was wrong. Will you forgive me?These are just a few characteristics of pride. 

God tells us plainly in I Peter 5:5 “...and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”(NIV) The more we walk in humility, the more grace we receive.

Scripture tells us in Romans 5:17, “...how much more will those who receive God’ abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” (NIV) Right there we see that righteousness and grace are gifts from God. The are not earned, simply gifts that we have the honor of opening each and every day. God provides the ability and the power (grace) to do what is right in any situation. Grace and righteousness are precious gifts to open.

Other gifts God gives are found in Galatians 5: 22. He gives us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We always win in life when we open and use these gifts He gives and use them. It is a choice each of us has daily. We should never give someone's the power to rob of the gifts God supplies. 

I had a situation recently where I had worked on a project for several months. We were a week before the deadline and I was told it could not be submitted due to the fact there was no time for review. In the moment I received word, I was extremely frustrated. Then I remembered the gifts God had provided for me. I took a deep breath and said alright, but I am going to begin praying God would make a way. Within 24 hours I received word that the project  would go through. I had to smile at God’s goodness. Opening His gifts of peace and kindness reaped great rewards in this situation.

I challenge you to get rid of guilt, shame and self-righteousness. You can expel them from your life by simply confessing your sin to God and asking forgiveness. Never forget God’s wonderful gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control and open them daily. They are right there, and don’t forget to ask Him to help you to use them. When you do, it will be a great day.

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie is a native of the Hill Country and passionate about encouraging others in their walk with God. Other articles can be found on www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com. You can contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com