“A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.” (Proverbs 17:8 NKJV)
This states the fact that in this world gifts or bribes are effective either way - for good or for evil, depending on the motives of the parties thereto.
Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, said, “There is no fortress so strong, but it might be taken, if an ass laden with gold was brought to the gate.”
The giver of a gift believes his reward moves to promote his purpose. The receiver of a gift, viewing it as a sweet favor, is willing to quickly do what was desired of him. The lesson is – bribes gives a semblance of working, but for evil end!
It seemingly worked with Judas, but for evil and led to his destruction. The Jews paid him thirty pieces of silver to betray and turn over the Lord Jesus Christ into their hands (Matt 26:14-16).
Gifts worked for good with Jacob to soften his brother Esau’s angry heart, with well-spaced gifts (Gen 32:13-21).
Bribes and gifts could come in many forms. One could compromise truth for a tip, a steak, a sale, a bonus, or a promotion? So, better we beware of gifts! We ought to look beyond and see the motives! If ever a gift is shoved on us, as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, with thanksgiving we are to use gifts for the glory of God!!!
There is one best gift we must not neglect, which we must believe and receive! God’s gift of His only Son is given to us, out of His love as ransom for our sins, so we can have life eternal (John 3:16). The Lord Jesus Christ is our gift of grace. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 AMP)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, said, “There is no fortress so strong, but it might be taken, if an ass laden with gold was brought to the gate.”
The giver of a gift believes his reward moves to promote his purpose. The receiver of a gift, viewing it as a sweet favor, is willing to quickly do what was desired of him. The lesson is – bribes gives a semblance of working, but for evil end!
It seemingly worked with Judas, but for evil and led to his destruction. The Jews paid him thirty pieces of silver to betray and turn over the Lord Jesus Christ into their hands (Matt 26:14-16).
Gifts worked for good with Jacob to soften his brother Esau’s angry heart, with well-spaced gifts (Gen 32:13-21).
Bribes and gifts could come in many forms. One could compromise truth for a tip, a steak, a sale, a bonus, or a promotion? So, better we beware of gifts! We ought to look beyond and see the motives! If ever a gift is shoved on us, as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, with thanksgiving we are to use gifts for the glory of God!!!
There is one best gift we must not neglect, which we must believe and receive! God’s gift of His only Son is given to us, out of His love as ransom for our sins, so we can have life eternal (John 3:16). The Lord Jesus Christ is our gift of grace. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 AMP)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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