The Giver of Good Things

James 1:17 has a lot to tell us about God. First off, James tells us that God is the one who gives good and perfect gifts. This is because God is the creator of the universe. He is the one who formed everything and everyone. Everything starts with God, so all good gifts and blessings in life come from God.

In addition to that, it is God who gives us salvation, which is the greatest gift. He freely offers us eternal life by believing in Jesus as the One who saves us. God not only gives perfect gifts, but He also is the perfect Gift.

The next thing we learn about God in this verse, is that God reigns from heaven, but has also come down from heaven to us. God rules and reigns from His throne in Heaven, as Psalm 103:19 says. But we also see in John 6:38 that Jesus came down from Heaven and took on flesh. He is the perfect gift that has come down from heaven.

Lastly, we learn from this verse that God is unchanging. Humans are constantly changing. We are always growing, learning, and forming new opinions. God is not like that. He doesn’t need to grow or learn. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and His character never changes.

The same God who loves us and gives us grace today will do the same tomorrow. He is good, all the time.

So take some time today to thank God for who He is and what He has done for you. Thank Him for the gifts and blessings He has given you. Thank Him for the free gift of salvation.