Freely Give

by Greg Quinn

December 4th, 2025

We are approaching Christmastime. The time of year when everything seems more peaceable, where people are nicer, where giving seems to be prevalent among most people's minds. I don't like shopping malls and don't like shopping (Amazon would have ruined this even if I did have a desire for shopping). But I do like going to the mall once per year, around Christmas. The lights, the smells, the decorations. Smiles on people's faces. Seeing little children line up to see Santa Claus. I like going to the toy department of big box stores like Target and Walmart to see the newest toys and think about the things that children like. I remember taking my grandson to the toy department of Target and watching him remove a toy from a shelf and hold it and play with it and say, "I want this". And as a good grandfather, I did my best to make sure he got what he wanted.

We all do the same. If our children ask "Santa" for a gift, then we good parents do all we can to give them what they want. I remember the happiness Vicki and I felt when we saw our son Justin open the presents on Christmas morning. We as parents were not concerned with what we received, but we got great joy from seeing our young son open the gifts of his desire. My mind reflects so many Christmases of him opening his presents with such glee and the satisfaction we his parents gained (greater than that of our son) seeing him so happy with his gifts. 

I remember many Christmases of times long ago, when I was a boy, and what I and my brothers asked for Christmas, and the joy of receiving what we asked for. I love to think about this and share the stories. 

My brother Jeff and I lived the "Christmas Story movie" in the same way as Ralphie in the receiving of our Red Ryder BB guns. A similar story happened a few years later when Jeff and I received our first shotguns (Savage 20-gauge single shots). Dad got great satisfaction out of hiding our guns and making us hunt for them.

I remember one year being so infatuated with Big Lou the robot. Big Lou was the greatest toy ever invented by man. Big Lou stood almost as tall as I was. His eyes were light bulbs that lit up and flashed. Big Lou shot rockets from his feet. One of Big Lou's hands was a claw, and the other shot ping pong balls. There was a crank on the back of Lou's head that made him talk in a robot voice. His belly button was a squirt gun. Big Lou would roll along the floor, taking shots at my brothers. If the ping pong balls didn't get them, the rockets would. And get close enough, then they got wet by the squirting navel, or the claw could grab an ear or nose or other body part of my brothers. What a great instrument of torture! 

The year I got Big Lou from Santa, we lived in a small 4 room house called "Mamie's House". There was a Kitchen, Living Room, and 2 Bedrooms. No bathroom; that was an outhouse in the yard. Christmas morning we four boys had such anticipation (well, three of us did, Anthony was a baby). One of us woke up first and then woke the others. We ran through the Kitchen to the Living Room and there under the fragrant lit cedar tree was a pile of toys. We ran to the tree and Jeff and I got our presents and gave those to my brothers and to Mom and Dad (who were already there; they must have gotten up early enough to see Santa). Us boys frantically opened our gifts. Socks (no interest), fruit (little interest), shoes (no interest; had to last a year), candy (interest for sure), and maybe a small toy. Jeff got what he wanted as did Boge. Anthony being the baby didn't understand but he was happy all the time anyway. But I looked around and Big Lou was not there! Didn't Santa understand? Could I have misinformed him 
(after talking about it for six months and writing numerable notes; no, he had to understand)? Then I got it. I wasn't good enough (true actually). Santa was reminding me that I was unworthy to receive such a great gift. So, I sat on the floor with a small toy in my lap, socks and shoes beside me, wrapping paper strowed about, and realizing this was it. No Big Lou for me. 

My Dad let me stew in my unhappiness for what seemed like hours. He teased by asking us boys, "Did Santa get you everything you wanted"? Then when Dad figured I had suffered enough (or actually because Mom told him to), he said, "Greg, I think I saw something inside our bedroom this morning that looked out of place; why don't you go check it out"? So I got up and ran into their Bedroom from the Living Room (only about a dozen child-sized steps) and as I entered the Bedroom, there he was! Big Lou in all his glory! The greatest of all toys was now mine! Santa came through after all!

I kept Big Lou for years. I played with him every day. He was my best friend. I loved Big Lou. My brothers all hated him as I was constantly barraging them with water, balls, claw, and rockets. Big Lou was probably the greatest gift I could ever receive, or so I thought at the time.

I also love to hear the stories of others, especially in generations before me, and what they received for Christmas presents. Living a farm life in rural Tennessee in the 30s and 40s wasn't easy. There were 10 kids on Dad's side and almost that many on Mom's side. Toys might have been a whittled slingshot, or a homemade doll, or a knitted scarf, or a ball. Maybe a flour-sack dress. A pair of shoes that had to last for years (as hand-me-downs). Maybe an orange and a piece of candy. But love was in the home so the things most important were delivered in large quantities each Christmas.

Now here we are in December of 2025. I'm in my late 60s. Of my many aunts and uncles, only one remains each side (my aunt Camilla on Dad's side, and my aunt Chris on Mom's side); both are 93. I spoke to both of them this past week through the marvel of cellphone. I love to hear from them the stories of times past, of Christmases long ago.

I reflect upon the past and think about how many great memories of Christmas. I get great joy from hearing of Christmas stories in the time of my parents (now in Heaven) and how things were different. I think about how things have changed through the generations. Gifts were very different. From what could be knitted or sewn or whittled to new modern toys that are more computer than toy (yes, we also waited in line for hours one Black Friday to get that new Playstation for our teenage son years ago).

But through the generational changes, there were constants. The greatest gifts were not the toys or the candy. The greatest gifts were the love behind the gift.

Of all the gifts ever given, the absolute greatest gift was God giving his Son Jesus. Jesus came to earth as a babe just like the rest of us, but was born to a virgin mother, Mary. This happened but once and will never happen again. Jesus was born to die; to become the sacrifice for the sins of mankind. To restore mankind to their loving Creator-God. To rekindle the relationship between God and Man that existed in the beginning in the Garden. To give Man his authority over Satan as was in the beginning. No gift ever given could equal a fraction of what love was given by God in sending Jesus to die for our sins, rise again on the third day, and provide an eternal home for us in heaven.

John 3:16-17
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Jesus, who showed love more than anyone, gave us the best gift ever. Eternal life. Healing. Peace. Joy. Abundance. A heart of giving.

Jesus taught us how to give. "Love others as yourself". And "freely give".

Matthew 10:8
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Jesus told us that what we have received, we are to freely give.

When we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and received freely the greatest gift ever given, Jesus' payment for our sins so we could have eternal life (beginning now), we received the gifts within us provided when we accepted Jesus and the Holy Spirit came to live inside us.

Just as an apple tree bears fruit of apples, the fruit of the Holy Spirt of God living inside of us bears fruit from this internal gift.

Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Jesus died to give us not just eternal life but to live now with the fruit of the Holy Spirit within us so that we could freely give what we were given. So, we were given by Jesus through the Holy Spirit who lives in us love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These are the fruits of the spirit. Gifts to us that come out of the Holy Spirit living in us. And from these fruits, as well as Jesus' commandment in Matthew 10:8, we are to live a life exhibiting these gifts and to share these gifts with others.

Jesus told us in Matthew 10:8 to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils. Is this possible? Yes, or Jesus would not have commanded us to do so. Maybe this takes more faith or belief than what you have? Maybe not. Your faith and belief can grow to the point where this is possible.

So what are we to share? What can we give away today? We share what we were given. "Freely ye have received, freely give". 

We give love. Love is inside of us. The first fruit of the Spirit. The main thing God and Jesus has shown us. God so loved us that He gave Jesus to save us from our sins. Jesus gave us life abundant through His love. We are to do the same. Jesus said to "love others as ourselves". If we truly loved one another, there would be no murders or rape or robbery. There would be no adultery, no taking advantage of another. There would be no lying; only truth. We would show love in all situations and circumstances. Our love would pour out of us as a gift freely given to all around us. Not just at Christmas. But every day of every year.

We give joy. Joy is greater than happiness. Happiness is an emotion. Joy is much deeper. It contains happiness in action. It stems from a deep-rooted knowledge of what God has done for us and a recognition of these benefits that can never be lost or stolen. The love of God within us swells up in "joy unspeakable and full of glory". We can possess joy even in bad times. The circumstances do not rob us of our joy. We can be joyful any time any day all of our lives. And as a fruit of the Spirt freely given to those who receive, we can freely give this joy to others. Don't walk around looking like you were weaned on a dill pickle. Smile. Be joyful and happy. Reflect on the love of God and what He has done for you so much that the internal joy you have will flow out of you to others. People are attracted to Jesus through your joy. You living a life of joy will do more to lead others to Jesus than any words you may say. Be joyful and give joy.

We give peace. We live in such stressful times. Life is difficult. For some much more than others. The world has no peace. Yet we were given peace as a gift as one of the fruits of the Spirit. We can live with peace in our hearts in the midst of chaos in the world. People need peace. We all do. Cultivate the peace that lives in you by focusing on what God has done for you. Develop this peace through the trusting in God, knowing that "He will never leave or forsake you". As your faith and trust grows, your peace will grow. Peace will beam out of you like the light from a flashlight in a dark room. Cultivate your peace. And freely give it away.

We give longsuffering (patience). How difficult this one seems to be. The Holy Spirit has given us patience. You may not feel it at times, but you have patience. You are longsuffering. You can endure difficult times. You can put up with a lot. You may not think you can, but if God put this gift within you the moment you accepted Jesus as your Savior, then yes you have peace. Think on the Scriptures that tell us just how good God is to us. Think of all the blessings He has given us, in this life and in the life to come. Relax. Know that everything happens in its time. It does no good to rush. It does no good to be impatient. So, exercise the gift of patience that lives in you, and then give this gift of patience away. How? Be more patient with others. Let them see patience in you and give them patience as a gift. How people need patience! You have it; give it away.

We give gentleness. The Holy Spirit has given us the fruit of gentleness. It was freely given, so freely give it away. Be gentle to one another. Say a kind word. Don't be so harsh. Don't be so argumentative. You don't always have to win the argument. Show your love through gentleness. Be the soft pedals of the rose and not the thorn on the stem underneath. 

We give goodness. In this day and age, it just seems there is not much goodness. But there is more than the evening news portrays. There is much more good going on that maybe you realize. How? Because Christians have love and are going about doing good. The media may not portray it. But God's people are in the world today doing good. People are being saved by the sharing of the story of Jesus. People are being fed by the goodness of others and the contribution of their time, talents, and money to feed others. People have water in the desert land because others give wells to provide water. People have their power bills paid because of the goodness of another. People get rides to town because of others sharing a ride. Underprivileged kids at Christmas have toys because of the goodness of others. Elderly have a visit when they think no one cares because of the goodness of others. So, can you give away goodness? Yes, you can. How about beginning a practice this Christmas season where you look every day for someone to be good to, someone to bless? Joyce Meyer prays "God, show me someone I can bless today". You freely received goodness from God. It is in your spirit. Give it away. Start today.

We give faith. Faith is a gift of God. We cannot earn it. We cannot work for it. We freely receive it as a gift. God gives us all "the measure of faith". We all have the same faith freely given. Why can't we exercise our faith? We can if we will. How? We believe the Word of God and do what the Word says. We believe the life of Jesus and realize that He said, "greater works shall you do". We have faith that the chair we sit in will hold us. We have faith than when we turn the key in the ignition the car will start. We have faith that whatever promises God has shown us in His Word, they are true and they are for us. All of them. From salvation to healing. From prosperity to joy. We have faith as a gift of the Spirit living in us. We need to exercise our faith more. How? "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God". So, we cultivate our faith through God's Word. Read the Bible. Study the Scriptures. Listen to good preaching. Believe what the Bible says. Then your faith will multiply. And you will naturally share your faith with others. You will share the love of Jesus in your words and in your actions. Your life is your testimony. Let others know about Jesus. Give someone a Bible. Share what Jesus has done for you. Let others see in your eyes the light of one who truly believes in God and has a desire to share this love with others. Faith is a free gift. Freely you have received and freely you can give it away.

We give meekness. Meekness does not mean being a mouse. Meekness is strength with kindness. Meekness is learning. Meekness is gaining knowledge and being confident in what you know from the Word. And you can share this in a kind way. You don't have to win the argument to be strong. It shows much more strength to let others have their way than for you to force your will upon others. Try it.

We give temperance. We are given a gift of self-control. We should share this with others. This is a tough one for many of us. We want our way. We don't want to wait. We care more about our own opinions than those of others. Me, me, me, me, me is your favorite musical note. And we let our selfishness get out of control. It reflects in our hearts, in our lives, and in how we treat others. How about beginning this Christmas season to show more self-control?

In the early days of the church, in the Book of Acts, there is a story of how Peter and John were going to the temple to pray, and seeing a lame man, giving what they had to bless him.

Acts 3
3 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Peter gave what he had. The man was expecting a coin. Peter gave him healing instead. A much greater gift.

Why cannot we do the same? Jesus has given us marvelous gifts. The Holy Spirit lives in us and we have the fruit that is generated from the Spirit in us. We have these things inside of us now. Why not give them away?

This Christmas, instead of worrying so much about physical gifts that money can buy, why not give someone a much greater gift, something of so much greater value than you can buy at Walmart? You see a need, meet it. 

You know of someone who is hurting financially and they need food, then take a little extra money and buy them some food and take it to them. 

You know of someone who is sick, pray for them. If your belief is strong enough in the power of healing, then go lay hands on them and heal them. Visit them. Call and give them a kind word of hope. Send them a text.

You know some family whose kids may not receive a toy this year, then participate in a toy drive at your local church or other organization. Go buy a toy and take it to the family to give their children.

You know someone who is down and depressed, then be an encouragement to them. Share the love inside you with others who need it.

Be kind. Smile. Give of yourself. Be a friend.

Jesus said we have freely received so we should freely give. Use your mind to think of someone you could bless, then do it. Could be a financial blessing. Could be a Christmas gift. Could be a word of encouragement. Could be an act of love. Could be a smile to that stressed-out cashier in the store. Could be a bigger tip to the waitress. Could be sharing your story of how Jesus changed your life. Could be patience in the midst of a stressful day. Could be controlling your temper with a child who has done wrong. Could be telling your brother you love him.

Maybe we should do like Joyce Meyer and ask God each day, "God, show me someone I can bless today".

Freely you have received. Freely give.

The greatest gift is the one that Jesus gave to you. He came and died for your sins so that you could live a life of abundance and spend eternity in Heaven. God loves you so much that He did this for you when you were undeserving. If Jesus did this for you when you were undeserving, can you receive it today for yourself, then share it with others?

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart to save you, pray this prayer with me right now.

"Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you are the Son of God who came to die for my sins and rose from the dead. I ask you to forgive me of my sins. I accept your free gift of grace and forgiveness. I choose now to live a life pleasing to God. I accept you as my Savior and Lord. I receive your salvation as exchange for my sin, right now. Thank you for saving me, Jesus. Help me to share what I have just received with others."

If you prayed a simple prayer like this, you have the confirmation of the Scriptures that you are eternally saved. You can start today to enjoy a new life. You have a free gift of eternal life and countless blessings. You received it today. You can freely share with others tomorrow.

I pray for each of you this Christmas that God will show you the power and wonder and gifts that are inside of you. I pray that you will realize just how great you are in God's eyes. I pray your heart becomes so full of the realization of the love of God in you, that you cannot wait but to share this love and these gifts within you with other people. 

Christmas is about sharing. Giving and receiving. I hope this message lets you realize just how much you have to give. And that you will freely give to others.

God bless you, and Merry Christmas.

Greg Quinn