Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

I am really bad at buying the appropriate Christmas gift. I feel safer giving a prepaid gift card. It might be a Starbuck’s card, or a Lowe’s card, maybe even Petsmart. The idea being they can get whatever they want with the card.

Now that isn’t the only way to give. I had to enter a gas station because the self-service computers were down and I had to pay with cash. When I entered a friend was at the counter frustrated because she had no cash and was out of gas. I reached in my wallet and gave her twenty dollars. I did not lend it to her, I gave it to her. I did that because that is who I am.

The next week her husband approached me and tried to pay me back for the gift I gave. “I’ll be in debt to no man.” I tried explaining to him that gifts do not have to be paid for, they are free. “Well I owe you for the kindness.” No, he didn’t. In offering to pay for the gift, he devalued the offering.

One gift cannot be bought, your salvation. Jesus prepaid the cost for all mankind. He bought it all with His life. He offers it freely to all who will accept it. Is pride standing in your way of accepting that free gift because you will not be indebted to any man? Others have accepted it, what makes you any different?

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Did you come up a little short this week? Here take this prepaid salvation card and use it.