Our scripture this morning is James 1:16-18.
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
James reminds us we receive only good gifts from God, not temptation. Jesus tells us ”If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11). We may misuse His gifts, but nothing evil comes from the Lord.
This is because the Father is constant and unchanging. Evil will use whatever form it can, twisting and perverting the things we have been given. God and His word never waver, He is always watching over us, giving us every opportunity to return to Him in repentance and faith.
We are the firstfruits of creation, made in His image and this is why we are always drawn back to Him. There is a spark of God Himself in each one of us. When we say yes to His love and His call on our lives, we are helped to fulfill our place in creation.
Loving Lord, we are ashamed of the times we have turned away from Your word and Your care for us. Forgive us and use us to reach out in love to all Your children. Amen.
