The Undeserved Gift
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
We are approaching St. Valentines’ Day, a day that has Christian roots but that has largely been a secular holiday, when we give our loved ones cards and candies and shower them with love and attention.
And this is a great day. It’s a great idea to set aside time, not only once a year, but every day to tell the people we love that we love them. It helps to build up that relationship and enrich the bonds and promises we make to each other.
But the history of St. Valentines’ Day is very interesting. According to Wikipedia (which I know is not a very reliable resource, but it’s kind of fun and easy to look up) this day remembers many different saints named Valentine, who were all killed for their faith. These ancient martyrs were killed because they refused to recant their beliefs in a God who loves us all so much that Jesus Christ was willing to be killed to prove it.
But what does that have to do with Valentines’ Day as we know it? Simply, it is all about love. Out of love for us, God sent Jesus Christ into this world. Because of love for us, Jesus Christ followed God’s will even to the point of being put to death. Because of God’s love for Jesus and for us, God raised him from the dead. And through all of this, God the Holy Spirit loves us so much that we are continually showered with the powers and gifts to love one another in word and deed. And, in the end, God loves us so much that despite our sinfulness, we are given the free and undeserved gift of salvation.
Many different words are used to describe this gift. Salvation, Eternal Life, Grace, Love - all of these words describe what God is giving to us, freely and bountifully, so that those who believe in Jesus Christ and call on his name will not be lost into darkness of death, but be raised up to new life.
We cannot earn this gift from God, just like we cannot really earn the gifts we receive on Valentines’ Day. Sure, we love our family and friends, and because of that relationship, they give us gifts and we give them gifts in exchange. But a true gift, just like the gift of eternal life from God, is not earned, but always given freely.
We cannot earn the gift of salvation from God, but we can receive it joyfully, happily this day and every day.
Thanks be to God!