If you would give a person a gift and that person refused to take your gift, what is your

perception of that person?

The question is, would you perceive that person as prideful?

If you give a person a gift and then you find out that this person has never, ever

unwrapped that gift and took it home and put it on a shelf,

would you say that this person is careless and thoughtless? If you give a person a gift and you find

that that person took your gift and tossed it out, may you may have tossed it to somebody else,

but at least tossed it out, would you perceive that person as inconsiderate and thoughtless?

And I haven't even begun to talk about how the giver must feel when he finds out the reaction and the response to his gift. I haven't even

began to talk about the depth of the disappointment of the giver. I haven't even began to talk

about the brokenheartedness of the giver. And what compounds the problem is that giver, that very giver is such a loving

giver that is caring and gracious giver. What compounds the problem is that when the giver is such a

selfless, generous person, is that the giver is such a kind and thoughtful and benevolent person.

And he said, Michael, wait a minute, that doesn't make sense.

That's impossible.

That's beyond the pale.

That is inconceivable.

And yet, beloved friends, listen to me very carefully.

This is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ when he ascended on high,

and he gave each one of his children at least one gift if not more. And yet, that's how most of

his children react to his gift. Some refuse to take it, others take it and never unwrap it. Others, they toss it out

to somebody else. Because every time a person is born of the spirit of God, every time a person

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