My friend Sandi is a “gift encourager.” She readily admits that giving presents is her love language and her favorite way to encourage others. Sandi is amazing at studying and listening to her friends so that her gifts are thoughtful and unique to the recipient. She loves to find special things that are useful to that person and the gifts always seem to arrive just when the encouragement is needed. In this particular gifting, Sandi is reflecting the heart of God because His gifts are always good, useful, and encouraging!

• God’s gifts are always good!

“God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

2 Corinthians 9:8

God is thoughtful about the gifts he gives us. He has given the gift of his son, Jesus, and salvation and the Holy Spirit for all who would accept, but he also gives unique gifts to each of us (1 Corinthians 12:4). He knows us completely because he made us and he studies us (Psalm 139). He gives us gifts that meet our needs and enable us to do good things for others.

• God’s gifts are always useful!

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:11

Every gift God gives us is good for us and good for us to use (James 1:17)! Spiritual gifts – special abilities such as teaching, administration, prophecy, giving – are given to build up and serve the church (1 Peter 4:10). Blessings – material, financial, physical, emotional – are given to share with and serve those in need. Talents – creative and skillful – are given to serve the world and to testify to his glory. When we receive a gift from God, we can be certain we are supposed to use it (Matthew 25:14-30).

• God’s gifts are always encouraging!

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.“

2 Corinthians 9:12-15

When God gives gifts, the result is a never-ending cycle of encouragement. God’s gift of his son, Jesus, causes us to be generous givers in grateful response. Our generosity in giving causes others to give thanks to God for our gifts and to pray for us. The overflow continues giving encouragement to others and ourselves, as well as glory to God.

God’s gifts are the ultimate definition of gifts that keep on giving! As we receive God’s good, useful, and encouraging gifts, may we always respond in gratitude by giving to others.