What’s in a gift? A Confession
Reading a blog post from Seth today I was reminded of what ‘gifting’ is really like.
Read this little excerpt:
A gift certificate from a rich uncle is a present as well, it’s not really a gift.
A favor is something we do for someone hoping for an equal or greater favor in return. (Hence the phrase, “return the favor.” No one says, “return the gift.”)
A present is something that costs money, sure, and it’s free, but I don’t think it’s a gift.
A gift costs the giver something real. It might be cash (enough that we feel the pinch) but more likely it involves a sacrifice or a risk or an emotional exposure. A true gift is a heartfelt connection, something that changes both the giver and the recipient.
It reminded me again that even though God is sovereign and He owns everything His gift of His son really did cost Him something. It cost him ‘emotional exposure’ as Seth would put it. The idea that God gave a life for risk of having Himself turned down. His gift is truly a “heartfelt connection” that was meant to draw us close to Him to have communion with Him.
Gifts are costly. It’s what gives them value. It’s what sets them apart from favors or presents.
If God has modeled this for us then let’s take this one step further. Where are you doing this? Outside of family have you done this for anyone else?
I got to admit when it comes to those outside my immediate family circle I pretty much stink at this.
I need to step it up a notch.
June 23rd, 2010 at 3:35 PM
Wow! I never really thought of it this way. Yeah, I would say that outside of family, I need to step it up as well. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
June 23rd, 2010 at 6:08 PM
I like that you thought enough about this topic to write about it!!! I will say I tend to do this, outside of my family, a lot. I was doing this without even thinking about it before. Now I’m actually recognizing where that really comes from. You know, understanding, the WHY behind the action. I would say I never usually have money to buy people outside of my home much of anything and I always feel bad. On the other hand, I give my time, my positivity, my spirit, joy, and anything else I possibly can (if it costs money, that happens too sometimes). Sometimes I over do this and have even neglected my family because someone else needed me.
We have to remember there must always be a balance. I am proud to say I give (gifts) of myself to others very often, but not proud to say that sometimes it was at the expense of my family at home!
Again, always a pleasure learning from you! So glad you are posting about these topics!
June 24th, 2010 at 10:15 AM
I was reading The Word this morning. This is a wonderful verse I just came across and thought it would mean something to you as it relates to this topic. Proverbs 18:16 A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.
There is no such thing as coincidence. I asked God to speak to me this morning through reading so I can understand all I’m learning. Ask and you shall receive, right! He is so good!