AUGUST 24

Romans 6:23

“What are we giving to Mrs. Lee today?” asked Kim as she and her mother left home. When Kim went with her mother to visit the elderly widow, they generally took with them canned food, cakes or other baked goods.

Mom smiled.“I learned that her doctor called in a prescription for her, but she has not gotten it done,” replied Mom, “so I picked it up to take as a gift for her.” “Cool!” exclaimed Kim. “She’ll be glad to get that!” When Mom took out the medicine, Mrs. Lee drew back. “I don’t have money to pay for that right now,” she said. Mom smiled. “Kim and I brought it today to give to you as a small gift of love,” she said. The elderly woman shook her head. “Oh, no,” she argued. “I can’t accept it unless I can pay for it.” Mom’s voice was soft and kind. “Please, Mrs. Lee,” she said, “we want to give this to you. We love you and want to see you get well again. Please take it.”

The elderly woman looked up at her. “Well… well, alright.” She smiled. “Thank you! Thank you so much.” As they talked together, the conversation turned to things of God. “Mrs. Lee,” said Mom, “have you ever made the decision to trust in Jesus as your Saviour?”

Mrs. Lee shook her head. “No,” she said, “I… I never felt like I had anything to offer God-and I certainly have nothing to offer Him now.” “None of us do,” Mom answered. “Salvation is free.”“Free?” Mrs. Lee repeated. “That sounds nice, but it just seems to me that it should cost something.”

“It did! It cost Jesus His life,” explained Mom. “He died willingly because He loves us, but He also rose again. Now He’s offering the gift of eternal life to all who will trust Him as Saviour.”

Kim could not be quiet any longer. “It’s just like the medicine,” she said excitedly. “That’s a gift for you-so you can’t pay for it. You can’t pay for God’s gift, either. It’s free to you. You have to just accept it.”

After a few moments, Mrs. Lee nodded. “I will,” she said. “Thank you for showing me that eternal life is really free. I never understood that until now.”

Thought: Thank God for salvation, provided by Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for salvation so rich and so free. I know although it cost me nothing, it cost Jesus His life. May I learn to be ever grateful, and to also share the wonderful gospel message with others. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.