How to Find the Perfect Gift | Love Languages: Receiving Gifts | Pastor John Wheeler

Well, we're in a series on The five love Well, we're in a series on The five love languages. Maybe you read the book by languages. Maybe you read the book by languages. Maybe you read the book by that title. And if so, all the better. that title. And if so, all the better. that title. And if so, all the better. This can just be a refresher for you. This can just be a refresher for you. This can just be a refresher for you. And most of us need refreshers from time And most of us need refreshers from time And most of us need refreshers from time to time. But others of you, the notion to time. But others of you, the notion to time. But others of you, the notion that there are actually different kinds that there are actually different kinds that there are actually different kinds of languages of languages of languages through which expressions of love are through which expressions of love are through which expressions of love are best received. best received. best received. It's something entirely new. and you're It's something entirely new. and you're It's something entirely new. and you're wondering, is that even true? Well, if wondering, is that even true? Well, if wondering, is that even true? Well, if that's you, I'm especially glad you're that's you, I'm especially glad you're that's you, I'm especially glad you're joining us in this series because joining us in this series because joining us in this series because understanding these love languages and understanding these love languages and understanding these love languages and how they affect us and our relationships how they affect us and our relationships how they affect us and our relationships with others and our communication with with others and our communication with with others and our communication with those we care about can make a great those we care about can make a great those we care about can make a great deal of difference. Understand deal of difference. Understand deal of difference. Understand this is not a series on marriage. If you this is not a series on marriage. If you this is not a series on marriage. If you thought it was, it isn't. However, if thought it was, it isn't. However, if thought it was, it isn't. However, if you are married, and that's great, but I you are married, and that's great, but I you are married, and that's great, but I would encourage you if you're married, would encourage you if you're married, would encourage you if you're married, you pay close attention to what we're uh you pay close attention to what we're uh you pay close attention to what we're uh discovering and learning about these discovering and learning about these discovering and learning about these languages all through this series languages all through this series languages all through this series because what you'll learn can make a because what you'll learn can make a because what you'll learn can make a great difference in your relationship great difference in your relationship great difference in your relationship with your spouse and your marriage. I'm with your spouse and your marriage. I'm with your spouse and your marriage. I'm just saying married or unmarried, just saying married or unmarried, just saying married or unmarried, used to be married, no intention of ever used to be married, no intention of ever used to be married, no intention of ever being married. Wherever you land in any being married. Wherever you land in any being married. Wherever you land in any of those categories,

of those categories, of those categories, this series is designed with you in this series is designed with you in this series is designed with you in mind. Where focus is on relationships in mind. Where focus is on relationships in mind. Where focus is on relationships in general. general. general. God made us for relationship. God made us for relationship. God made us for relationship. He created us for relationship first of He created us for relationship first of He created us for relationship first of all with him, our heavenly father, the all with him, our heavenly father, the all with him, our heavenly father, the vertical relationship, but also the vertical relationship, but also the vertical relationship, but also the horizontal relationships we have with horizontal relationships we have with horizontal relationships we have with others. And all of those relationships others. And all of those relationships others. And all of those relationships are to be characterized by one thing, are to be characterized by one thing, are to be characterized by one thing, love. love. love. We're to love one another. That was We're to love one another. That was We're to love one another. That was Jesus command for his followers. He Jesus command for his followers. He Jesus command for his followers. He called it his new command. He said to called it his new command. He said to called it his new command. He said to those men who had gathered and followed those men who had gathered and followed those men who had gathered and followed him and spent that last evening sharing him and spent that last evening sharing him and spent that last evening sharing the Passover meal together before the the Passover meal together before the the Passover meal together before the cross. He said to them, "A new command cross. He said to them, "A new command cross. He said to them, "A new command I give you.

I give you. I give you. A new command that you love one A new command that you love one A new command that you love one another." another." another." He went on to be very specific that we He went on to be very specific that we He went on to be very specific that we are to he said as I have loved you so are to he said as I have loved you so are to he said as I have loved you so you must love one another. As I have you must love one another. As I have you must love one another. As I have loved you, loved you, loved you, so so so so so so we're to love one another. Our model is we're to love one another. Our model is we're to love one another. Our model is Jesus himself. Jesus himself. Jesus himself. We're to love each other in the same way We're to love each other in the same way We're to love each other in the same way that he has loved us. which means that he has loved us. which means that he has loved us. which means clearly clearly clearly sacrificially. sacrificially. sacrificially. It's sacrificially giving. Jesus It's sacrificially giving. Jesus It's sacrificially giving. Jesus literally poured out his life for us. He literally poured out his life for us. He literally poured out his life for us. He gave himself up for us on that cross. gave himself up for us on that cross. gave himself up for us on that cross. So So So for us to live out his command is going for us to live out his command is going for us to live out his command is going to mean giving to mean giving to mean giving of ourselves. which brings us to the of ourselves. which brings us to the of ourselves. which brings us to the love languages. All of which are about love languages. All of which are about love languages. All of which are about that very thing, giving of ourselves.

that very thing, giving of ourselves. that very thing, giving of ourselves. So, here they are. Acts of service. We So, here they are. Acts of service. We So, here they are. Acts of service. We looked at that last Sunday. Pastor looked at that last Sunday. Pastor looked at that last Sunday. Pastor Josiah did a great job of introducing Josiah did a great job of introducing Josiah did a great job of introducing what acts of service are all about. And what acts of service are all about. And what acts of service are all about. And if you missed last Sunday, I encourage if you missed last Sunday, I encourage if you missed last Sunday, I encourage you go to the website and catch up on you go to the website and catch up on you go to the website and catch up on acts of service. The four others are acts of service. The four others are acts of service. The four others are receiving gifts, receiving gifts, receiving gifts, physical touch, physical touch, physical touch, words of affirmation words of affirmation words of affirmation and quality time. and quality time. and quality time. Five different ways in which people best Five different ways in which people best Five different ways in which people best receive love. I want to focus on those receive love. I want to focus on those receive love. I want to focus on those that phrase best receive love. There are that phrase best receive love. There are that phrase best receive love. There are five different languages in which that five different languages in which that five different languages in which that happens. We're taking time to unpack happens. We're taking time to unpack happens. We're taking time to unpack each of them because each of them because each of them because learning learning learning to speak love to speak love to speak love the way another person best receives the way another person best receives the way another person best receives love is actually an act of love. But love is actually an act of love. But love is actually an act of love. But what happens very often and Josiah what happens very often and Josiah what happens very often and Josiah talked about this last week. What talked about this last week. What talked about this last week. What happens is we tend to give love the way happens is we tend to give love the way happens is we tend to give love the way we like to receive love because we think we like to receive love because we think we like to receive love because we think the other person is like us. For the other person is like us. For the other person is like us. For example, let's say a person's love example, let's say a person's love example, let's say a person's love language is receiving gifts. And we're language is receiving gifts. And we're language is receiving gifts. And we're going to unpack that one this morning.

going to unpack that one this morning. going to unpack that one this morning. Suppose this person whose love language Suppose this person whose love language Suppose this person whose love language is receiving gifts is receiving gifts is receiving gifts wants to express how much he or she wants to express how much he or she wants to express how much he or she loves or appreciates this other person loves or appreciates this other person loves or appreciates this other person and goes to a great deal of effort to and goes to a great deal of effort to and goes to a great deal of effort to carefully select a perfect gift. carefully select a perfect gift. carefully select a perfect gift. Seemingly wraps it up beautifully and Seemingly wraps it up beautifully and Seemingly wraps it up beautifully and presents it not realizing that this presents it not realizing that this presents it not realizing that this person's love language is quality time. person's love language is quality time. person's love language is quality time. And what was sincerely intended to be an And what was sincerely intended to be an And what was sincerely intended to be an expression of love may in fact have cost expression of love may in fact have cost expression of love may in fact have cost a good deal of money in fact to express a good deal of money in fact to express a good deal of money in fact to express that love winds up meaning that love winds up meaning that love winds up meaning very little and why is that different very little and why is that different very little and why is that different languages does that really happen? Yes, languages does that really happen? Yes, languages does that really happen? Yes, it actually happens. And there could be it actually happens. And there could be it actually happens. And there could be some here this morning could testify some here this morning could testify some here this morning could testify about you being a part of an experience about you being a part of an experience about you being a part of an experience just like that. It actually happens. just like that. It actually happens. just like that. It actually happens. That's why That's why That's why learning to speak love learning to speak love learning to speak love the way the other person best receives the way the other person best receives the way the other person best receives love love love is actually an act of love. And why all is actually an act of love. And why all is actually an act of love. And why all of us need to become fluent in the love of us need to become fluent in the love of us need to become fluent in the love languages? You say, "Well, okay, which languages? You say, "Well, okay, which languages? You say, "Well, okay, which one?"

one?" one?" All of them. All of them. All of them. You saw that coming, right? All five. You saw that coming, right? All five. You saw that coming, right? All five. We're to be proficient in the love We're to be proficient in the love We're to be proficient in the love language because each of the languages language because each of the languages language because each of the languages is going to show up somewhere in the is going to show up somewhere in the is going to show up somewhere in the circle of lives that your life circle of lives that your life circle of lives that your life intersects. They're going to show up. If intersects. They're going to show up. If intersects. They're going to show up. If you're married, your spouse has a love you're married, your spouse has a love you're married, your spouse has a love language. Actually, he or she probably language. Actually, he or she probably language. Actually, he or she probably has a primary love language and maybe has a primary love language and maybe has a primary love language and maybe one or even two secondary love one or even two secondary love one or even two secondary love languages. If you have children, they languages. If you have children, they languages. If you have children, they will have their own love languages. will have their own love languages. will have their own love languages. Uh your friends will have their love Uh your friends will have their love Uh your friends will have their love languages. Your extended family will. Uh languages. Your extended family will. Uh languages. Your extended family will. Uh those in your community group will have those in your community group will have those in your community group will have their love languages. People you work their love languages. People you work their love languages. People you work with and on and on it goes. with and on and on it goes. with and on and on it goes. Turns out we actually Turns out we actually Turns out we actually do speak and best receive love through do speak and best receive love through do speak and best receive love through these different languages. Therefore, these different languages. Therefore, these different languages. Therefore, if we want to express love the most if we want to express love the most if we want to express love the most meaningful way possible, it just makes meaningful way possible, it just makes meaningful way possible, it just makes sense that we would put ourselves out sense that we would put ourselves out sense that we would put ourselves out enough and maybe it's not really enough and maybe it's not really enough and maybe it's not really sacrificial, but at least put ourselves sacrificial, but at least put ourselves sacrificial, but at least put ourselves out enough to learn how to speak love out enough to learn how to speak love out enough to learn how to speak love the way the other person best receives the way the other person best receives the way the other person best receives love love love so we can love each other. Well, are you so we can love each other. Well, are you so we can love each other. Well, are you with me?

with me? with me? Are you with me? Are you with me? Are you with me? >> Okay, just checking. >> Okay, just checking. >> Okay, just checking. These aren't just interesting ideas. These aren't just interesting ideas. These aren't just interesting ideas. It's important that we get how this It's important that we get how this It's important that we get how this works. So today, we're zeroing in on the works. So today, we're zeroing in on the works. So today, we're zeroing in on the love language of receiving gifts. love language of receiving gifts. love language of receiving gifts. And out of all the languages, all five And out of all the languages, all five And out of all the languages, all five of the languages, this is the one most of the languages, this is the one most of the languages, this is the one most likely to be misunderstood. likely to be misunderstood. likely to be misunderstood. And why is that? And why is that? And why is that? because of how it what it sounds like. because of how it what it sounds like. because of how it what it sounds like. It sounds like this is a person who is It sounds like this is a person who is It sounds like this is a person who is materialistic in outlook, just materialistic in outlook, just materialistic in outlook, just interested in getting a bunch of stuff, interested in getting a bunch of stuff, interested in getting a bunch of stuff, which isn't the case at all which isn't the case at all which isn't the case at all unless. unless. unless. And we'll come back to the unless in And we'll come back to the unless in And we'll come back to the unless in just a moment, but just understand that just a moment, but just understand that just a moment, but just understand that having the love language of receiving having the love language of receiving having the love language of receiving gifts is not inherently materialistic. gifts is not inherently materialistic. gifts is not inherently materialistic. Are you okay with that? Just just accept Are you okay with that? Just just accept Are you okay with that? Just just accept that as a fact. But let's look at what that as a fact. But let's look at what that as a fact. But let's look at what it actually is about. The definition it actually is about. The definition it actually is about. The definition of this language, receiving of this language, receiving of this language, receiving love through thoughtful gifts as love through thoughtful gifts as love through thoughtful gifts as tangible expressions of care and tangible expressions of care and tangible expressions of care and concern. Connection. Caring connection.

concern. Connection. Caring connection. concern. Connection. Caring connection. Meaning what? Meaning that for the one Meaning what? Meaning that for the one Meaning what? Meaning that for the one whose love language is receiving gifts, whose love language is receiving gifts, whose love language is receiving gifts, a gift speaks volumes. a gift speaks volumes. a gift speaks volumes. Not because of the size of the gift or Not because of the size of the gift or Not because of the size of the gift or the monetary value of the gift. It's the monetary value of the gift. It's the monetary value of the gift. It's what the gift represents that matters to what the gift represents that matters to what the gift represents that matters to the one with this love language. The the one with this love language. The the one with this love language. The gift represents the love of the giver. gift represents the love of the giver. gift represents the love of the giver. The one whose language is receiving The one whose language is receiving The one whose language is receiving gifts looks at the gift gifts looks at the gift gifts looks at the gift and he or she thinks the person who gave and he or she thinks the person who gave and he or she thinks the person who gave me this cares about me me this cares about me me this cares about me looks at the gift and thinks the person looks at the gift and thinks the person looks at the gift and thinks the person who gave me this was thinking about me who gave me this was thinking about me who gave me this was thinking about me and does think about me. The one who and does think about me. The one who and does think about me. The one who gave me this gift loves me. The visual gave me this gift loves me. The visual gave me this gift loves me. The visual tangible gift becomes a symbol. tangible gift becomes a symbol. tangible gift becomes a symbol. It symbolizes the love out of which the It symbolizes the love out of which the It symbolizes the love out of which the gift was given. In other words, the gift gift was given. In other words, the gift gift was given. In other words, the gift points back to the giver. The gift points back to the giver. The gift points back to the giver. The gift becomes a tangible reminder of love becomes a tangible reminder of love becomes a tangible reminder of love thoughtfully expressed thoughtfully expressed thoughtfully expressed and it creates a sense of being cared and it creates a sense of being cared and it creates a sense of being cared about and connected.

about and connected. about and connected. That is what this love language is all That is what this love language is all That is what this love language is all about. about. about. But there are also But there are also But there are also dialects dialects dialects to be recognized that go with each of to be recognized that go with each of to be recognized that go with each of the love languages. Like there are the love languages. Like there are the love languages. Like there are dialects in the English language. For dialects in the English language. For dialects in the English language. For example, example, example, if you visit in Boston if you visit in Boston if you visit in Boston and listen to Bostononians talk, and listen to Bostononians talk, and listen to Bostononians talk, it will not sound like the same kind of it will not sound like the same kind of it will not sound like the same kind of English that you're accustomed to English that you're accustomed to English that you're accustomed to hearing. There is a distinctly hearing. There is a distinctly hearing. There is a distinctly Bostononian version of English. It's a Bostononian version of English. It's a Bostononian version of English. It's a dialect. dialect. dialect. Same thing happens if you travel to the Same thing happens if you travel to the Same thing happens if you travel to the deep south, for example, Savannah, deep south, for example, Savannah, deep south, for example, Savannah, Georgia. practically or at least most Georgia. practically or at least most Georgia. practically or at least most people in Savannah speak English, but people in Savannah speak English, but people in Savannah speak English, but they do so in a distinctly different way they do so in a distinctly different way they do so in a distinctly different way than we're accustomed to hearing in than we're accustomed to hearing in than we're accustomed to hearing in Oklahoma. Those are geographical Oklahoma. Those are geographical Oklahoma. Those are geographical dialects. There are dialects that go dialects. There are dialects that go dialects. There are dialects that go with the love languages as well. Four of with the love languages as well. Four of with the love languages as well. Four of them that go with receiving gifts. And them that go with receiving gifts. And them that go with receiving gifts. And as we look at them, it I think it'll as we look at them, it I think it'll as we look at them, it I think it'll make it easier to understand what we're make it easier to understand what we're make it easier to understand what we're talking about. First of all, talking about. First of all, talking about. First of all, there's a heartfelt dialect.

there's a heartfelt dialect. there's a heartfelt dialect. It may be a very sentimental gift that It may be a very sentimental gift that It may be a very sentimental gift that is involved here. In any case, it's is involved here. In any case, it's is involved here. In any case, it's something that clearly comes from the something that clearly comes from the something that clearly comes from the heart. And so, it's a heartfelt heart. And so, it's a heartfelt heart. And so, it's a heartfelt gift. gift. gift. Uh practical gift would be the the next Uh practical gift would be the the next Uh practical gift would be the the next one. A practical gift is something that one. A practical gift is something that one. A practical gift is something that that will be helpful in some way. My son Chris gave me this for Father's My son Chris gave me this for Father's Day a few weeks ago. I had no idea what Day a few weeks ago. I had no idea what Day a few weeks ago. I had no idea what that was when I opened the box. Turns that was when I opened the box. Turns that was when I opened the box. Turns out this is a weeder, out this is a weeder, out this is a weeder, as in a tool to pull weeds up out of the as in a tool to pull weeds up out of the as in a tool to pull weeds up out of the flower garden. Chris knows that I enjoy flower garden. Chris knows that I enjoy flower garden. Chris knows that I enjoy landscaping around our home and our landscaping around our home and our landscaping around our home and our turns out also there are a lot of weeds turns out also there are a lot of weeds turns out also there are a lot of weeds there. And so he gave me this very there. And so he gave me this very there. And so he gave me this very practical gift and it works really practical gift and it works really practical gift and it works really really well. But the thing is this, really well. But the thing is this, really well. But the thing is this, every time I pick this up, which is every time I pick this up, which is every time I pick this up, which is often often often I think of him and his love for me also I think of him and his love for me also I think of him and his love for me also gifts may be anywhere from gifts may be anywhere from gifts may be anywhere from simple to extravagant.

simple to extravagant. simple to extravagant. And usually the person receiving the And usually the person receiving the And usually the person receiving the gift doesn't care which one of those it gift doesn't care which one of those it gift doesn't care which one of those it is. In fact, most people with this is. In fact, most people with this is. In fact, most people with this language language language would prefer the gifts that are simple. would prefer the gifts that are simple. would prefer the gifts that are simple. Speaking of Chris and Father's Day, Speaking of Chris and Father's Day, Speaking of Chris and Father's Day, when Chris was in his college years, he when Chris was in his college years, he when Chris was in his college years, he would work at uh Kakook uh camp in would work at uh Kakook uh camp in would work at uh Kakook uh camp in Branson during the summers. And I Branson during the summers. And I Branson during the summers. And I remember one Father's Day weekend, I remember one Father's Day weekend, I remember one Father's Day weekend, I drove over to spend some time with him drove over to spend some time with him drove over to spend some time with him there at the camp. And when I arrived, I there at the camp. And when I arrived, I there at the camp. And when I arrived, I found him whittling with his knife on a found him whittling with his knife on a found him whittling with his knife on a small piece of wood, which is no small piece of wood, which is no small piece of wood, which is no surprise to me that he was surrounded by surprise to me that he was surrounded by surprise to me that he was surrounded by woods, and he enjoyed whittling. So I woods, and he enjoyed whittling. So I woods, and he enjoyed whittling. So I asked him what he was working on. He asked him what he was working on. He asked him what he was working on. He said, "A cross." said, "A cross." said, "A cross." And I could see it was small enough to And I could see it was small enough to And I could see it was small enough to fit in the palm of his hand. he could fit in the palm of his hand. he could fit in the palm of his hand. he could actually close his fingers around it. He actually close his fingers around it. He actually close his fingers around it. He kept whittling on it as we sat there kept whittling on it as we sat there kept whittling on it as we sat there side by side and talked. And then he he side by side and talked. And then he he side by side and talked. And then he he put his knife down and he he held the put his knife down and he he held the put his knife down and he he held the cross up where he could see it and he he cross up where he could see it and he he cross up where he could see it and he he was examining it and looking at it from was examining it and looking at it from was examining it and looking at it from every angle. And then he handed it to me every angle. And then he handed it to me every angle. And then he handed it to me and he said, "Happy Father's Day, Dad.

and he said, "Happy Father's Day, Dad. and he said, "Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you." I love you." I love you." That was 25 years ago. And I carry that cross in my pocket And I carry that cross in my pocket every day. I know you can't see it from every day. I know you can't see it from every day. I know you can't see it from back there, but uh back there, but uh back there, but uh sometimes I'll run my thumb over the sometimes I'll run my thumb over the sometimes I'll run my thumb over the surface of the cross, the smooth surface surface of the cross, the smooth surface surface of the cross, the smooth surface of the wood, and remember of the wood, and remember of the wood, and remember how it got to be that way. how it got to be that way. how it got to be that way. Monetary value, Monetary value, Monetary value, none at all. none at all. none at all. Thoughtful expression of love and Thoughtful expression of love and Thoughtful expression of love and connection. connection. connection. This is priceless. This is priceless. This is priceless. Four dialects that go with the love Four dialects that go with the love Four dialects that go with the love language of receiving gifts. Heartfelt, language of receiving gifts. Heartfelt, language of receiving gifts. Heartfelt, practical, simple, and extravagant. So practical, simple, and extravagant. So practical, simple, and extravagant. So think with me about the demonstration think with me about the demonstration think with me about the demonstration of this love language, keeping in mind of this love language, keeping in mind of this love language, keeping in mind that each of the languages involves both that each of the languages involves both that each of the languages involves both speaking and receiving, giving and speaking and receiving, giving and speaking and receiving, giving and receiving. How does this speaking and receiving. How does this speaking and receiving. How does this speaking and receiving happen receiving happen receiving happen for the believer? And let me just pause for the believer? And let me just pause for the believer? And let me just pause to say uh it's not this doesn't apply to to say uh it's not this doesn't apply to to say uh it's not this doesn't apply to everyone everywhere but for the believer everyone everywhere but for the believer everyone everywhere but for the believer there is this this factor and that is a there is this this factor and that is a there is this this factor and that is a very important factor that in impacts very important factor that in impacts very important factor that in impacts both the speaking or the receiving and

both the speaking or the receiving and both the speaking or the receiving and that is that the Holy Spirit indwells that is that the Holy Spirit indwells that is that the Holy Spirit indwells the believer. the believer. the believer. You're indwelt by the Holy Spirit. You're indwelt by the Holy Spirit. You're indwelt by the Holy Spirit. That's true of every believer. If you That's true of every believer. If you That's true of every believer. If you receive Jesus into your life, then the receive Jesus into your life, then the receive Jesus into your life, then the Holy Spirit, the very presence of Christ Holy Spirit, the very presence of Christ Holy Spirit, the very presence of Christ lives in you. And whether you're on the lives in you. And whether you're on the lives in you. And whether you're on the receiving end because you have this love receiving end because you have this love receiving end because you have this love language, or you're on the other end, language, or you're on the other end, language, or you're on the other end, you're speaking into someone with this you're speaking into someone with this you're speaking into someone with this love language, either way, your love language, either way, your love language, either way, your receiving or speaking will be impacted receiving or speaking will be impacted receiving or speaking will be impacted by one of two sources. either the Holy by one of two sources. either the Holy by one of two sources. either the Holy Spirit or what scripture calls the Spirit or what scripture calls the Spirit or what scripture calls the flesh, which means relying on ourselves flesh, which means relying on ourselves flesh, which means relying on ourselves apart from God. When you see that word apart from God. When you see that word apart from God. When you see that word flesh in scripture, that's what it's flesh in scripture, that's what it's flesh in scripture, that's what it's talking about. Relying on ourselves talking about. Relying on ourselves talking about. Relying on ourselves apart from God. Are you with me still? apart from God. Are you with me still? apart from God. Are you with me still? >> Good. Good. So, stay with me. Let me put >> Good. Good. So, stay with me. Let me put >> Good. Good. So, stay with me. Let me put this grid up here to see how this all this grid up here to see how this all this grid up here to see how this all fits together. We're talking about fits together. We're talking about fits together. We're talking about receiving or giving in the spirit or in receiving or giving in the spirit or in receiving or giving in the spirit or in the flesh. So let's say you're a the flesh. So let's say you're a the flesh. So let's say you're a believer and so the Holy Spirit lives in believer and so the Holy Spirit lives in believer and so the Holy Spirit lives in you and your love language turns out to you and your love language turns out to you and your love language turns out to be receiving gifts.

be receiving gifts. be receiving gifts. What happens then when you receive a What happens then when you receive a What happens then when you receive a gift of any kind and you rely on the gift of any kind and you rely on the gift of any kind and you rely on the Holy Spirit for how you respond to the Holy Spirit for how you respond to the Holy Spirit for how you respond to the gift? Here's what happens. gift? Here's what happens. gift? Here's what happens. It builds you up in the spirit It builds you up in the spirit It builds you up in the spirit and you receive it with gratitude and and you receive it with gratitude and and you receive it with gratitude and grace. You receive that gift with grace. You receive that gift with grace. You receive that gift with gratitude and grace which is how the gratitude and grace which is how the gratitude and grace which is how the Holy Spirit leads us. Gratitude is the Holy Spirit leads us. Gratitude is the Holy Spirit leads us. Gratitude is the appropriate response to a gift. You appropriate response to a gift. You appropriate response to a gift. You recognize the care that went into the recognize the care that went into the recognize the care that went into the selection of the gift, the attention selection of the gift, the attention selection of the gift, the attention that the giver gave uh to deciding on that the giver gave uh to deciding on that the giver gave uh to deciding on the gift and and you receive it as such. the gift and and you receive it as such. the gift and and you receive it as such. As a result, you're nurtured and built As a result, you're nurtured and built As a result, you're nurtured and built up in the spirit. Whether the gift is up in the spirit. Whether the gift is up in the spirit. Whether the gift is simple or extravagant, simple or extravagant, simple or extravagant, whether it costs a lot of money or no whether it costs a lot of money or no whether it costs a lot of money or no money at all, makes no difference. money at all, makes no difference. money at all, makes no difference. You're nurtured and built up in the You're nurtured and built up in the You're nurtured and built up in the spirit.

spirit. spirit. It's not that way when a person operates It's not that way when a person operates It's not that way when a person operates from a fleshly from a fleshly from a fleshly mindset. It breaks down in the flesh because you It breaks down in the flesh because you become materialistic become materialistic become materialistic about the gift. Which brings us back to about the gift. Which brings us back to about the gift. Which brings us back to the unless I mentioned a while ago. The the unless I mentioned a while ago. The the unless I mentioned a while ago. The love language of receiving gifts is not love language of receiving gifts is not love language of receiving gifts is not materialistic unless materialistic unless materialistic unless the flesh gets involved. then it's a the flesh gets involved. then it's a the flesh gets involved. then it's a whole different story. Everything breaks whole different story. Everything breaks whole different story. Everything breaks down because a materialistic mindset is down because a materialistic mindset is down because a materialistic mindset is there. That's when a person looks for a there. That's when a person looks for a there. That's when a person looks for a price tag on the gift or goes online to price tag on the gift or goes online to price tag on the gift or goes online to find out what that item actually costs. find out what that item actually costs. find out what that item actually costs. And then there may be some mental And then there may be some mental And then there may be some mental scorekeeping scorekeeping scorekeeping such as I gave you that last year and such as I gave you that last year and such as I gave you that last year and this is what you give me. You spent this this is what you give me. You spent this this is what you give me. You spent this little on me. It's not said out loud. At little on me. It's not said out loud. At little on me. It's not said out loud. At least most of the time it isn't. But least most of the time it isn't. But least most of the time it isn't. But that's what isn't happening. Instead of that's what isn't happening. Instead of that's what isn't happening. Instead of being nurtured in the spirit, the being nurtured in the spirit, the being nurtured in the spirit, the situation breaks down in the flesh.

situation breaks down in the flesh. situation breaks down in the flesh. Let's come at it from the other Let's come at it from the other Let's come at it from the other direction. Let's look at what happens direction. Let's look at what happens direction. Let's look at what happens when speaking into this love language. when speaking into this love language. when speaking into this love language. Let's say receiving gifts is the love Let's say receiving gifts is the love Let's say receiving gifts is the love language of someone you care about. It's language of someone you care about. It's language of someone you care about. It's not your language, but you want to not your language, but you want to not your language, but you want to express how much you care about them. express how much you care about them. express how much you care about them. And so, you know, that would be best And so, you know, that would be best And so, you know, that would be best received through some kind of gift. And received through some kind of gift. And received through some kind of gift. And uh that'd be the most meaningful way to uh that'd be the most meaningful way to uh that'd be the most meaningful way to express your love for them. So, you want express your love for them. So, you want express your love for them. So, you want to get a gift, but you don't know what to get a gift, but you don't know what to get a gift, but you don't know what to give. And it feels awkward. What do to give. And it feels awkward. What do to give. And it feels awkward. What do you do? you do? you do? Actually, this is not all that hard. You Actually, this is not all that hard. You Actually, this is not all that hard. You start by asking the Holy Spirit to lead start by asking the Holy Spirit to lead start by asking the Holy Spirit to lead you. you. you. Just ask the Holy Spirit. He is a great Just ask the Holy Spirit. He is a great Just ask the Holy Spirit. He is a great giftgiver. giftgiver. giftgiver. He's given gifts to all of us who are He's given gifts to all of us who are He's given gifts to all of us who are believers. Remember last year we talked believers. Remember last year we talked believers. Remember last year we talked about the spiritual gifts in the series about the spiritual gifts in the series about the spiritual gifts in the series on wired. We looked at the various on wired. We looked at the various on wired. We looked at the various spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit has spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit has spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit has placed within members of the body of placed within members of the body of placed within members of the body of Christ. All for the benefit of the body.

Christ. All for the benefit of the body. Christ. All for the benefit of the body. The the languages these love languages The the languages these love languages The the languages these love languages are different. But the point is the Holy are different. But the point is the Holy are different. But the point is the Holy Spirit is a great giftgiver Spirit is a great giftgiver Spirit is a great giftgiver and he knows exactly and he knows exactly and he knows exactly what to give. So ask him to lead you and what to give. So ask him to lead you and what to give. So ask him to lead you and then follow this principle. Notice then follow this principle. Notice then follow this principle. Notice details. What details? Details about details. What details? Details about details. What details? Details about that person's interest. And remember that person's interest. And remember that person's interest. And remember what matters most to that individual. what matters most to that individual. what matters most to that individual. You're thinking in terms of how you You're thinking in terms of how you You're thinking in terms of how you would bless that person and the Holy would bless that person and the Holy would bless that person and the Holy Spirit will lead you in selecting the Spirit will lead you in selecting the Spirit will lead you in selecting the gift. You pay attention to what that gift. You pay attention to what that gift. You pay attention to what that person values and you put time and person values and you put time and person values and you put time and effort into the giving. The gift then effort into the giving. The gift then effort into the giving. The gift then becomes a tangible and meaningful becomes a tangible and meaningful becomes a tangible and meaningful expression expression expression of your love for that person. Of course, of your love for that person. Of course, of your love for that person. Of course, if we're operating in the flesh, it's a if we're operating in the flesh, it's a if we're operating in the flesh, it's a whole different thing. whole different thing. whole different thing. and you wind up with your focus on the and you wind up with your focus on the and you wind up with your focus on the gift rather than the recipient. It all gift rather than the recipient. It all gift rather than the recipient. It all breaks down in the flesh again because breaks down in the flesh again because breaks down in the flesh again because your focus is on the gift instead of the your focus is on the gift instead of the your focus is on the gift instead of the recipient. You may just buy a bunch of recipient. You may just buy a bunch of recipient. You may just buy a bunch of random gifts to have on hand and then random gifts to have on hand and then random gifts to have on hand and then you hand them out and it's okay, maybe a you hand them out and it's okay, maybe a you hand them out and it's okay, maybe a nice gesture, but it really doesn't mean nice gesture, but it really doesn't mean nice gesture, but it really doesn't mean very much.

very much. very much. I'm just saying I'm just saying I'm just saying the way any of these languages is the way any of these languages is the way any of these languages is demonstrated will be greatly impacted by demonstrated will be greatly impacted by demonstrated will be greatly impacted by whether we're allowing the Holy Spirit whether we're allowing the Holy Spirit whether we're allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us or not. to lead us or not. to lead us or not. Now, think with me Now, think with me Now, think with me for just a few moments about a for just a few moments about a for just a few moments about a particular demonstration particular demonstration particular demonstration of giving. of giving. of giving. Actually, the most extraordinary Actually, the most extraordinary Actually, the most extraordinary demonstration of giving that's ever demonstration of giving that's ever demonstration of giving that's ever occurred. The Bible tells us about it in occurred. The Bible tells us about it in occurred. The Bible tells us about it in the most familiar verse in all the most familiar verse in all the most familiar verse in all scripture. scripture. scripture. For God For God For God so loved so loved so loved God so loved the world that he did what? God so loved the world that he did what? God so loved the world that he did what? He gave. He so loved the world that he He gave. He so loved the world that he He gave. He so loved the world that he gave and he gave his one and only son gave and he gave his one and only son gave and he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not that whoever believes in him shall not that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Eternal perish but have eternal life. Eternal perish but have eternal life. Eternal life. Not just endless existence but a life. Not just endless existence but a life. Not just endless existence but a relationship with God here and now that relationship with God here and now that relationship with God here and now that death cannot destroy. Eternal life. God death cannot destroy. Eternal life. God death cannot destroy. Eternal life. God thoughtfully selected thoughtfully selected thoughtfully selected and chose to give the tangible and chose to give the tangible and chose to give the tangible expression of his great love for us expression of his great love for us expression of his great love for us in the gift of his son.

in the gift of his son. in the gift of his son. Think what that gift represents. Think what that gift represents. Think what that gift represents. God giving his son God giving his son God giving his son for us. God giving his son for you for us. God giving his son for you for us. God giving his son for you represents the fact that God thought of represents the fact that God thought of represents the fact that God thought of you and thinks about you. It's you and thinks about you. It's you and thinks about you. It's staggering to me that God thinks staggering to me that God thinks staggering to me that God thinks about me. But he does and he thinks about me. But he does and he thinks about me. But he does and he thinks about you. He cares for you and he loves about you. He cares for you and he loves about you. He cares for you and he loves you so much that he gave his son for you so much that he gave his son for you so much that he gave his son for you. Regardless of the past, you. Regardless of the past, you. Regardless of the past, what you've done or been done to you, he what you've done or been done to you, he what you've done or been done to you, he loves you. And he invites us to receive loves you. And he invites us to receive loves you. And he invites us to receive the greatest gift of all, the the greatest gift of all, the the greatest gift of all, the forgiveness of sin, forgiveness of sin, forgiveness of sin, eternal life eternal life eternal life through Jesus Christ, his son and our through Jesus Christ, his son and our through Jesus Christ, his son and our king. king. king. How does it happen? How does it happen? How does it happen? How how does a person How how does a person How how does a person receive this gift?

receive this gift? receive this gift? It's by opening our heart to the gift. It's by opening our heart to the gift. It's by opening our heart to the gift. By opening our heart to Jesus, the gift. By opening our heart to Jesus, the gift. By opening our heart to Jesus, the gift. We're not saved by how hard we try to do We're not saved by how hard we try to do We're not saved by how hard we try to do better better better and be better. In fact, we're not even and be better. In fact, we're not even and be better. In fact, we're not even saved by how much faith we have. You'll saved by how much faith we have. You'll saved by how much faith we have. You'll hear people say, "We're saved by faith." hear people say, "We're saved by faith." hear people say, "We're saved by faith." No, we're saved by grace. No, we're saved by grace. No, we're saved by grace. It's through faith, but it's by grace. It's through faith, but it's by grace. It's through faith, but it's by grace. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in writing to the Ephesians believers. For writing to the Ephesians believers. For writing to the Ephesians believers. For it is by grace it is by grace it is by grace you have been saved. Through faith, yes, you have been saved. Through faith, yes, you have been saved. Through faith, yes, but by grace you have been saved. And but by grace you have been saved. And but by grace you have been saved. And this not of ourselves. It is the gift of this not of ourselves. It is the gift of this not of ourselves. It is the gift of God. God. God. Grace means gift. Grace means gift. Grace means gift. The Greek word is caris.

The Greek word is caris. The Greek word is caris. Caris. It means something we did not and Caris. It means something we did not and Caris. It means something we did not and could not earn. That's grace. Something could not earn. That's grace. Something could not earn. That's grace. Something we did not and could not earn. And we did not and could not earn. And we did not and could not earn. And everything about salvation everything about salvation everything about salvation is by grace. All of it start to finish is by grace. All of it start to finish is by grace. All of it start to finish is something we did not and could not is something we did not and could not is something we did not and could not earn. earn. earn. Even the faith through which our hearts Even the faith through which our hearts Even the faith through which our hearts are open to the gift is a gift. It's are open to the gift is a gift. It's are open to the gift is a gift. It's extraordinary. extraordinary. extraordinary. God offers God offers God offers that gift that gift that gift to you today. to you today. to you today. forgiveness of sin, forgiveness of sin, forgiveness of sin, eternal life, a relationship with him eternal life, a relationship with him eternal life, a relationship with him nothing could ever destroy. nothing could ever destroy. nothing could ever destroy. God offers you God offers you God offers you that gift. that gift. that gift. He offers that gift today. If you've He offers that gift today. If you've He offers that gift today. If you've never received Jesus never received Jesus never received Jesus as your savior and king, as your savior and king, as your savior and king, you don't have a relationship with him you don't have a relationship with him you don't have a relationship with him that's real and personal.

that's real and personal. that's real and personal. You can You can You can It can be yours It can be yours It can be yours and it can be yours beginning today. and it can be yours beginning today. and it can be yours beginning today. I want to ask you to just bow your heads I want to ask you to just bow your heads I want to ask you to just bow your heads with me for a moment before I lead us in with me for a moment before I lead us in with me for a moment before I lead us in prayer. prayer. prayer. It may be you believe Jesus paid the It may be you believe Jesus paid the It may be you believe Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross, which price for our sins on the cross, which price for our sins on the cross, which he did. he did. he did. You may also believe that he rose again You may also believe that he rose again You may also believe that he rose again and that he is alive, and that he is alive, and that he is alive, which he is, which he is, which he is, but you've never opened your heart to but you've never opened your heart to but you've never opened your heart to him. And maybe you felt you weren't good him. And maybe you felt you weren't good him. And maybe you felt you weren't good enough. enough. enough. Hopefully today Hopefully today Hopefully today you've realized that salvation is a gift you've realized that salvation is a gift you've realized that salvation is a gift and everything about it is a gift. and everything about it is a gift. and everything about it is a gift. something none of us could ever do something none of us could ever do something none of us could ever do enough or be good enough to earn. It is enough or be good enough to earn. It is enough or be good enough to earn. It is the gift of God.

the gift of God. the gift of God. What you can do is receive the gift with What you can do is receive the gift with What you can do is receive the gift with a simple prayer and that could happen. a simple prayer and that could happen. a simple prayer and that could happen. Now, Now, Now, I'll give you words you can use. I'll give you words you can use. I'll give you words you can use. They're not special words. are just They're not special words. are just They're not special words. are just words that you can use to open your words that you can use to open your words that you can use to open your heart to Jesus. heart to Jesus. heart to Jesus. And if you're ready, And if you're ready, And if you're ready, I invite you to join me in praying these I invite you to join me in praying these I invite you to join me in praying these words from your heart. words from your heart. words from your heart. Lord Jesus, thank you Lord Jesus, thank you Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me for loving me for loving me and giving yourself for me and giving yourself for me and giving yourself for me today. I open my heart to you. today. I open my heart to you. today. I open my heart to you. I turn my back on sin I turn my back on sin I turn my back on sin and I place my trust in you, and I place my trust in you, and I place my trust in you, my savior, my savior, my savior, my forgiver, my forgiver, my forgiver, my king. Come live your life in me.

my king. Come live your life in me. my king. Come live your life in me. If you prayed that prayer just now, If you prayed that prayer just now, If you prayed that prayer just now, welcome to a brand new life. And welcome to a brand new life. And welcome to a brand new life. And heavenly father, thank you heavenly father, thank you heavenly father, thank you for the most extraordinary gift of your for the most extraordinary gift of your for the most extraordinary gift of your son son son for your love for us for your love for us for your love for us that we can never do enough or be good that we can never do enough or be good that we can never do enough or be good enough to earn. enough to earn. enough to earn. We are forever grateful We are forever grateful We are forever grateful for your goodness and grace in Jesus for your goodness and grace in Jesus for your goodness and grace in Jesus matchless name. Amen.