A few years ago, my friend, Mary, hand-crocheted a beautiful afghan for me. It must have taken her many hours to crochet this blanket because not only did she crochet a pattern, but also she weaved long strands of wool through it to create long tassels at the end.

I just love it! It still keeps me warm and cozy during the winter months and is also a welcome relief on cool summer nights.

Not too long ago, my friend offered to crochet me another one. I was very excited and offered to pay for the wool at least. She replied, "No charge. It is a labour of love."

For many of us, it is so easy to give, yet at other times, it is very hard to receive a generous gift without wanting to do something in return. We need to learn to receive graciously, to say "Thank you", and leave it at that.

This generous deed made me think of a Father who gave up His Son to die on a cross for us, for our salvation, for free. We do not have to do anything. We just have to accept God's free gift. Can you hear our heavenly Father saying, "My child, there is no charge; it was a labour of love."

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (NASB)

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (NASB)

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for giving us Your only Son in order that we may inherit eternal life. Help us to accept Your free gift without any reservations. We do not have to do anything to receive this free gift; we have only to accept and believe. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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