We can all remember occasions when we had our heart set on receiving a particular gift, only to be disappointed by the giver's selection. Perhaps he didn't know us well enough to choose something appropriate.  Or maybe she just didn't have time to select a more meaningful gift. 

Thankfully, however, most gifts are not disappointing. Generally, we think of a "gift" as something desirable.  We like to know that someone has been thinking about us, and we look forward to receiving gifts that friends have picked out for us. 

What is the appropriate response when someone gives us a gift?  First, we receive the gift; then we thank the giver and proceed to use the gift for its intended purpose. 

In all the universe, there is no greater Giver than God Himself. He loves to give good gifts to His children! As with human givers, when God gives us a gift, He is pleased when we receive it, thank Him for it, and use it for its intended purpose.
 

According to the Scripture, there are some gifts that God gives to all believers.  For example, all those who have placed their faith in Christ are recipients of His grace, His forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. 

However, not all of God's gifts are given to every believer. The New Testament teaches, for example, that God does not give the same spiritual gift(s) to every believer.  He determines which gift(s) He wishes to give to each believer, and in what measure.

Children are another example. Children are a gift from the Lord (Ps. 127:3).  However, God does not give this particular gift to every believer.  To some, He gives many children; to others, He gives a few or only one; to others, He gives none.