”Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17New International Version (NIV)
James 1:17 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Every good and perfect gift is from above
James 1:17 says that “every good and perfect gift is from above“. And this is because God is the source of everything. That’s why we refer to Him as the Provider and call Him Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14).
Moreover, in Matthew 7:9-11, Jesus asked his listeners: “Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Nevertheless, in James 1:17, James was addressing the concern that some believers had while going through trials. The believers in James’ audience were wondering whether God was tempting them.
God does not tempt
But James refuted this in verse 13 of the second chapter of his letter to them. And he explained to them that any one of them is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed (James 1:14). Because sin is birthed once desire has been conceived, and when it is fully grown, it births death (James 1:15) – the wages of sin is death (Romans 3:23).
Additionally, God is absolutely holy, with no iota of evil. He, therefore, created all that is good (Genesis 1-2), with no hint of evil. And even though His first children thought He was evil and therefore rebelled against Him (Genesis 3), God will always be characterized by His goodness. This is both with regard to his character and in relation to His unending desire to give good gifts to his children.
God gives good and perfect things
Furthermore, after James had absolved God of evil, he stated that God is the giver (source) of anything that is good and perfect. He consequently did not give them evil as they had thought. Rather, He would give the person who persevered under trials the crown of life that He had promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).
Therefore, God would be in line with His nature and character of giving good and perfect things to those who love Him. Because He is the fountain of all good and perfect things like wisdom (James 1:5); the eternal crown of life for enduring trials; and birth through the Word of Truth, which is the Gospel (James 1:18).
Additionally, “God works all things, especially suffering, for the good of those who love Him, those who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
God does not change
Finally, James told his audience that God doesn’t change (Psalm 100:5). Therefore, He can be relied on because He is the same as yesterday and tomorrow and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Consequently, God will not tempt you. Therefore, you can use His Word to overcome trials just like Jesus did in Matthew 4:1-11.
Prayer/Blessing
God, I am thankful for all the blessings You’ve consistently given me. Thank You for consistently showering me with Your grace, Your gifts, the fruit of Your Spirit, Your love, and Your promises. Indeed, every good and perfect gift comes straight from You; no one but You.
Blessed be your Name. I am grateful for all Your many gifts in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
2 Corinthians 1-4 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
