…in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:14 ESV)
Costly
One Christmas, a family that I know was struggling financially. So rather than spend money they did not have, they decided to choose gifts for each other from among their present possessions. One of the children (perhaps a little young to embrace the concept) went through the toybox and particularly chose toys that were not ever played with.
Those gifts were not noted, received well, or appreciated.
God gives His people forgiveness as a gift.
But that forgiveness is not lightly, thoughtlessly, or cheaply given.
Here, Paul appropriately ties our forgiveness with redemption.
God’s gift is expensive. It was the most valuable thing He owned (and He owns everything!) He paid for our forgiveness through the redemption that Christ bought on the cross.
And the serious price God paid gives us confidence that the forgiveness He gives is real. It is not merely a gift, but a costly gift. It is not merely a gift, but a meaningful gift. It is not merely a gift, but a profound, important, necessary gift.
Receive it and smile.