A mother offers to give her grown daughter groceries when she comes to visit. But the daughter refuses, explaining that she has a job and doesn’t need the help. Yet, refusing the gift, she denies her mom the opportunity to demonstrate love for her child. 

Our Lord offers us many gifts. Among them is the gift of the Holy Spirit, who brings us peace. We may often refuse to receive God’s peace when we get bogged down by life, thinking we can handle things ourselves. We conjure up our own sense of peace and order, making endless lists and plans. However, Jesus calls us to receive His peace, a gift that the world cannot give. Jesus gave up His life so we could receive the gifts of forgiveness, a right relationship with God, salvation, peace, and freedom. If we don’t choose to receive what He freely provides, we are stuck living in fear. So, let’s give Jesus the delight of seeing His people receive His gifts of love, peace, and joy. In that way, we can share His love with the world from our source of abundance. “May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace” (1 Timothy 1:2 NLT).