Undeserved Gift

Read: Ephesians 1:7-9

Tinkling bells chimed invitingly as the ice cream truck turned onto Cali’s street. Ice cream was one of her favorite treats, but it was just before lunchtime, so she was sure her grandma wouldn’t let her have anything now. But I can still have a little fun with the ice cream truck driver, Cali thought. She yelled loudly to get his attention as he drove by, then ducked behind a bush. The truck stopped, and the man got out expecting to sell something, but no one came to buy. Cali snickered to herself when she saw his puzzled face.

“That was unkind,” said Grandma, and Cali jumped in surprise. She had no idea Grandma was watching and had come out. “It was wrong for you to stop that man and make him think he was going to earn some money. Now come with me. You need to apologize.” Grandma led the way to the truck, which had not yet moved on.

Under Grandma’s watchful eye, Cali told the driver she was sorry for playing a trick on him. Then Grandma bought an ice cream bar for each of them.

Cali felt ashamed when her grandmother held out the treat. “No thanks, Grandma.”

“But I bought this for you,” said Grandma.

Cali looked at the ground. “I don’t deserve it after what I did.”

“That’s true,” said Grandma. “But I want you to have it anyway—it’s a gift from me.” She continued to hold out the ice cream bar.

Reluctantly, Cali took the treat and began to eat. It tasted so good and was very refreshing on such a hot day! “Thank you, Grandma,” she said.

Grandma smiled. “You’re glad you accepted my gift, aren’t you?”

Cali nodded. “I am, even though I don’t deserve it.”

“We don’t deserve God’s love and forgiveness either,” said Grandma. “But He offers it to us as a gift—a gift we need to accept. Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin so we could be forgiven and have eternal life with Him. But we can’t enjoy that gift until we accept it.”

“Just like this ice cream,” said Cali. “I’ve accepted God’s gift, Grandma. I know Jesus has saved me and given me eternal life.”

–Nance E. Keyes

How about you? Do you trust Jesus as your Savior? Have you accepted His gift of eternal life? God offers it to everyone, but it has to be received to be enjoyed. You don’t deserve it—no one does. But don’t push it away! Jesus loves you so much that He sacrificed His life to pay for your sins. Accept the undeserved but wonderful gift He offers. (To learn more, go to "Have You Heard the Good News?")

Today's Key Verse: The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV) Romans 6:23

Today's Key Thought: Accept God’s gift