Have you ever opened a gift you didn’t want—while the giver stood right there watching? You smiled, said all the right things, and quietly planned where it would land in your regifting stash. We’ve all been there.

But Scripture talks about a very different kind of regifting—one that isn’t awkward, forced, or fake. Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give.” God’s grace is the greatest gift we’ve ever received, and sharing it with others is not just our responsibility—it’s our privilege.

In 1 Thessalonians 1, the Apostle Paul highlights a church that excelled at regifting grace in a way that was authentic, powerful, and deeply compelling. Their example still speaks to us today—right here in The Woodlands, TX.

God’s Grace: A Gift We Didn’t Earn

Grace is often defined as unmerited favor. It’s God’s love and kindness toward undeserving people—offered freely through Jesus Christ. Salvation, forgiveness, adoption into God’s family, and eternal life aren’t rewards for good behavior; they’re gifts we receive by faith.

And when grace truly takes root in our lives, it naturally overflows into the lives of others.

When Sharing Faith Becomes Complicated

Many of us grew up hearing words like evangelism, witnessing, or soul-winning. While these ideas are biblical, they can sometimes turn faith-sharing into something transactional rather than relational.

Handing out pamphlets, following scripts, or trying to “close the deal” can make us sound more like telemarketers than ambassadors of Christ. Paul shows us a better way.

A Church That Got Regifting Right

The Thessalonian church was made up of both Jews and Gentiles—people from very different backgrounds—yet they were united by their devotion to Jesus. Despite persecution, loss, and suffering, their faith became known everywhere.

Paul explains why in 1 Thessalonians 1:5:

“Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.”

From this verse, we learn three keys to regifting God’s grace well.

1. Be Clear About the Message

Sharing the gospel is more than inviting someone to church—though that’s a great start. The gospel is about Jesus.

Yes, God loves us. Yes, He has a wonderful plan. But we’re also sinful and separated from Him. The good news is that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness and new life—starting now, not just someday in heaven.

Pointing people to Jesus—not behavior modification or religious rules—is essential.

2. Depend on the Power of the Holy Spirit

Paul didn’t rely on eloquence or clever arguments. He depended on God’s power.

Only the Holy Spirit can change a human heart. Our role is to faithfully share Christ and trust God with the results. Successful witnessing isn’t about winning arguments—it’s about obedience, humility, and trust.

3. Cultivate Credibility

The Thessalonians’ lives backed up their message. Their faith was visible in how they loved, endured hardship, and treated others.

Jesus said the world would recognize His followers by their love and their good works. Credibility doesn’t require perfection—but it does require humility, repentance, and integrity.

Our families, coworkers, neighbors, and community here in The Woodlands are watching. Do our lives make the gospel believable?

From “So What?” to “Tell Me More”

There are two kinds of evangelism: what evangelism and why evangelism.

When our lives are marked by grace, generosity, forgiveness, and humility, people don’t just hear what we believe—they start asking why. And when they ask why, they’re ready to listen.

Conclusion

The Art of Regifting isn’t about pressure, scripts, or performance. It’s about being clear about Jesus, dependent on the Holy Spirit, and intentional about how we live.

When grace transforms us, it naturally spreads through us, into our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and beyond. Just like the Thessalonian church, our story can ring out far beyond our walls.

Plan Your Visit (I’m New): https://thewoodlandsfirst.org/new/

Beliefs (What We Believe): https://thewoodlandsfirst.org/beliefs/

First Kids (Children’s Ministry): https://thewoodlandsfirst.org/ministries/first-kids/

The Woodlands First YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWoodlandsFirst/videos