Just Because

When celebrating a special occasion or an important milestone, we love to buy gifts for the people we care about. We also love to receive gifts, but some can be hard to accept.

People often buy flowers for different times throughout life, whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a college graduation, a birthday party, or a funeral. While looking to purchase a bouquet online, I once noticed a category labeled “Just Because” for those who wanted to show their affection for no reason at all. I realized later this is why Jesus went to the cross—just because God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). We didn’t earn our salvation, for it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). We also didn’t deserve it because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). 

It can be a strange concept for those of us who struggle to accept a gift that comes with no strings attached. How is it that someone would take great strides to purchase a gift simply because they wanted to? Some of us feel a need to pay the person back or give them something in return for their kindness. How does God want us to respond to the gift that was fully purchased by Jesus, the spotless Lamb? Simply receive it. Sometimes, my feelings are hurt when I buy a present for a friend who rejects it or feels like they have to top it. They have missed the point. I’m not trying to earn their love or make them like me. I just want them to know I love them. 

Might God feel the same? Jesus went to the cross, shed His blood, and rose again because He loved us, and that’s enough. This Easter, let God restore the joy of our salvation that we have received by faith—praising God for the wonderful gift of our Savior who gave His life for us just because He loved us. 

If you find it difficult to receive salvation as a gift that Jesus already paid for, consider a time when a loved one blessed you just because they loved you. The Good News is, this is exactly how Jesus showed His love for us.

Dear Lord, thank You for dying on the cross for our sins just because You loved us. Help us to see our salvation for what it truly is—Your gift to the world. Guide us as we stop trying to earn our redemption from works of the flesh. Let us simply receive Your unconditional love and cherish it in our hearts as we look forward to spending eternity with You. In Your glorious name we pray, amen. 

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Scripture is quoted from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.