“No pain, no gain” is a frequently-heard phrase encouraging us to work hard to receive the reward we deserve. Thus, we usually believe there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. This statement is right, but not true at all times.

The government announced today that every citizen of Taiwan would receive consumer coupons at the value of NT$3,600 to purchase goods at local stores. The consumer coupons or shopping vouchers will be distributed to each household before the beginning of the Chinese New Year holidays. The government hopes that this police of “shopping spree” will stimulate consumption; as a result, it may invigorate the sluggish economy.

It is true of saving grace, the salvation of Jesus Christ, which is not earned by human hands or works, but a free gift given by God through the faith of Christ. As it is written in the book of Romans, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Like the free consumer coupons, the gift of salvation is free to anyone who believes in Jesus and have faith in Him.