There is a certain art to gifts. Giving them, receiving them, appreciating them. Today I want to share five important things to keep in mind as you encounter gifts.
1) A gift is wholehearted and unselfish
When you give a gift it is of the utmost importance to let it go. Remember that it is no longer yours – you have given it away. Consider the person you want to give the gift to and give thoughtfully. As such, don’t be the person who grades how another uses it.
2) Gifts give back
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full — pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. – Luke 6:38
I love this verse as it reminds me to be a giver. Not just financially, but in thought, word, and deed. And I also love that God’s world works in such a way that as I give, He will allow others to give to me! Not necessarily in the way that I give, but in whatever perfect way He directs them! I love to give to others, truly I do! But I can’t help but smile just thinking that God is pleased with me for giving and that He is preparing blessings and favor for me!
3) Gifts can be unplanned and accidental
Do you know what I mean? I’ve given a few accidental gifts in my time. Someone misunderstands about what or who an item is for and is over-the-moon grateful and excited about it! And I’m standing there wondering how I might have misled them to believe that. Thankfully, it really doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I’m baffled!
When this happens, I have learned to give it to God. Perhaps I missed a need and if I had known I would in fact have given it. Maybe it is an opportunity for me to make sure that I am able to give generously. Or perhaps the gift is not appropriate or necessary and I have to practice courteous boldness in letting the recipient know that it is not a gift that I am giving.
4) You always have something to give – but there will be times when you aren’t called to give
Don’t ever let the excuse of not having something to give keep you from giving when you should. No matter the circumstance, there is always something that we could give. But understand, giving isn’t just about money or gifts. Time, food, resources and expertise are all excellent ways to give and support others.
Another good thing to keep in mind is that we are not all called to give in the same way. This is something of which I often remind myself. Sometimes I look at how others give and I think “ooh, I want to give like that! That’s so thoughtful!” But it’s not our job to copy cat others or to feel like we don’t measure up if we don’t serve in the same way. We are each of us one-of-a-kind and must delight in giving in the unique ways God has for us!
5) Accept gifts graciously and gratefully
Giving gifts is important – it is a fundamental part of life. But as important as it is to give gifts, it is just as important to be able to receive them well. Don’t push them away or try to talk yourself out of them. Be grateful – remember how you feel when you give? Isn’t it always preferable to give to a gracious and appreciate person? Seek to be that person when others bless you with gifts!
Giving gifts can be exciting and energizing! It is a way that we get to honor God! He loves to give us gifts, so when we bless others with gifts, we are honoring Him! Be sure you give wholeheartedly and enthusiastically!
Tell me some of your favorite ways to give gifts! What are some great gift suggestions you have? I’d love to hear about them!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Welcome to The American Lady blog – I’m so excited you are here! Enjoy reading the many posts about life, attitude and making the most of what you have! Please subscribe and follow along! Care to send me an email? I’d love to hear from you!