The Giver – July 22, 2026
Read: Romans 1:18-25
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:20-21,25
The Giver
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Think of the favorite gift you received on your last birthday. Who gave it to you? Your mom or dad? Your grandma or grandpa? A favorite aunt or uncle?
Now imagine something funny. Let’s pretend you received a new video game console. You spent hours mastering the games. You maybe even lost some sleep before your mom or dad asked you to shut it down for bedtime. Here’s a silly question: Did the video game console ever tell you, “I love you!”? Did it ever give you a hug when you were sad? Did it ever thank you for playing it? Of course not. It’s just a video game! Those who gave you the game, however, love you very much! More important than the gift is the giver—the person who gave it to you. Imagine how sad your parents or grandparents would feel if you cared more about the present than about them.
Every birthday gift, every Christmas gift—in fact, everything you have comes from one Giver—God. He gave us the things we can see like food to eat, clothes to wear, homes to live in, and so much more. He gave us things like a beautiful sunset, music to enjoy, minds that can learn new things, and bodies that can run, jump, and play As wonderful as God’s gifts are, none of them can love us back. But the Giver can. Even better, the Giver loves us so much that he gave us his only Son to forgive our sins and open heaven to us once again.
Unfortunately, people often make a mistake. They begin to love the gifts more than the Giver. The apostle Paul tells us, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him” (Romans 1:21). God’s creation should lead us to honor and thank him. Instead, sinners become so focused on God’s gifts that they forget the Giver. That’s called sin, and sin deserves God’s punishment. Paul warns that “the wrath of God is being revealed against all the godlessness and wickedness of people” (Romans 1:18).
Yet God did not stop loving those who loved his gifts more than him. The Giver gave the greatest gift of all—Jesus. Jesus perfectly honored his Father and took our idolatry to the cross. Because of Jesus, our sins are forgiven. Through faith, we learn to love the Giver above all his gifts.
Paul ends by saying that God is “forever praised” (Romans 1:25). Why? Because God didn’t leave us in our sins. He gave us Jesus! The Giver gave us the best gift—Jesus, the Savior from sin.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, forgive us when we love your gifts more than we love you. Help us honor and thank you as the Giver of every good thing. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Who is the Giver of every good thing we have?
- Why can’t a video game love you back?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Can you name five gifts that God has given you today?
- Which gift from God are you most thankful for right now? Why?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Paul says people forgot to thank God. Why do you think it’s easy to enjoy God’s gifts but forget to thank him?
- Agree or disagree: The created world we live in provides enough evidence to know that God exists. Explain your answer.
