Ephesians 2:8
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God”.
This verse spells out the means of salvation clearly. It's not natural, it had to be clear. Our nature is so twisted by sin, we try to obtain it, but would never get it. All the religions of the world have a works method. Only christianity has grace.
It had to be this way, for we couldn't have done it ourselves. For justice to be served, we would have to pay the debt that sin created. The payment is an eternity away from God. In this same chapter it spells out how we were children of wrath on a bad path with no hope, then two words interrupt that, "But God". He intervened and made a way.
The only way for this to have a good ending is for Jesus to come and show us the way. Then He died in our place to open the door. It's now a free gift offered by God's grace. We just have to receive it by faith.
While all the faiths have it wrong, some are horrible in their interpretations and violence. Some see force and murder as God's will. They are still acting the way they were 1,000 years ago. Enacting destruction as a means to convert others. "But God". He enters our world and holds out His hand without vengeance. The wars wouldn't have stopped. The escalation continues.
God's nature is to give. All of creation is a gift which doesn't stop giving. Every day His wonderful creation provides joy in our hearts, food to eat, materials (wood) to build shelter, recourses to build cars and the intelligence to do so. A defense system that heals injuries and illnesses. This isn't past tense. Colossians 1:7 tells us by Him He holds all things together. He gives us our next breath and heartbeat.
He wants us to follow His example. We are also to be generous givers. He wants us to forgive and reach out and give. Jesus says in Matthew 10:8, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
Our selfish nature contends with generosity. We think, "We won't have enough if we give." Jesus answers these concerns in Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
God will put us in situations in which we are to give. If He does so, He will provide. Trust Him. Malachi 3:10 says to test Him and see if He won't open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing. Along with the provision will be an overflowing joy.
Lord, thank You for Your gift, the new life and how You've freed us from selfishness. Help us to be generous like You.