"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near" (James 5:7-8, NIV).
We live in a society that thrives on the materialism of gifts. The bigger and more expensive it is, the better. This leads to gift giving being a letdown and full of stress and anxiety. As Christians, we recognize that there is more to providing gifts than the commercialism that often accompanies them. God is a gift to us; we should give to others in return. Like most people, I love the entire gift-buying experience this time of year. Still, it’s also essential to maintain a realistic perspective and remember that gifts are not the only thing Christmas is all about.
The Biblical Foundations of Gift Giving
The foundations of gift-giving go back to the Old Testament. Generosity was first introduced through the laws and commandments of the Israelites. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (NLT) says, “But if there are any poor Israelites in your town when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted with them. Instead, be generous and give them whatever they need.”
This verse teaches us that there are two key aspects to generosity: an open heart and a willingness to share with others in need. The Lord instructed the Israelites not only to care for their own communities but also to give to those in need who were struggling.
The New Testament also discusses generosity. Jesus was selfless and challenged the normal view of society with wealth and possessions.
Luke 6:38 (NLT) says, “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.”
These verses demonstrate that giving and being generous are highly valued by God.
Understanding the Heart Behind Gift Giving
When giving gifts as Christians, we need to understand the heart behind gift-giving. This helps influence how the recipient perceives the attitude behind the gift and how it aligns with Christianity.
● Gifting as an expression of love: Giving gifts should be primarily an act of love, both for the recipient and as an expression of worship to God. Generous hearts foster deeper connections and a stronger sense of community when people give gifts.
● Avoiding manipulation or obligation: True gift giving is free of agenda or expectation. When people manipulate or create a sense of responsibility, the gift becomes less authentic. We should examine our hearts for any ulterior motives and seek to give out of pure love.
● Acknowledging the Needs of Others: Giving generously as a Christian requires us to be in tune with the needs of others. Recognizing the struggles of others allows us to give more meaningfully through acts of service and kindness rather than material things.
Attitudes Christians Should Have When Giving
Some attitudes we should have when giving include;
● Humility
● Joyfulness
● Gratitude
● Giving Unconditionally
Gift Giving as an Expression of Love
● How gifts can reflect Christ’s love and strengthen relationships.
Gifts and the Spirit of Community
When believers give gifts, we affirm our values and commitment to one another. Gift giving is more than just the physical gift; a lot goes into choosing the gift, preparing it, and presentation. This takes a lot of time and thought to make it as personal as possible. This individual act of affection and respect strengthens bonds within communities. Gift giving helps communities in various ways, such as
● Building Emotional Connections: When believers exchange gifts, they create memories, and shared experiences contribute to a collaborative narrative in the community.
● Shared Values and Collective Identity: When believers take part in charity drives and community celebrations, members become part of a bigger picture, reinforcing a sense of belonging rooted in mutual support, shared faith, and collective goals.
● Strengthened Community Bonds Through Service: Acts of service, volunteering, and community service are gifts to the community. Therefore, strengthening bonds in the community.
● The Impact of Gift Giving on Community Resilience: Gift giving, whether it’s physical, emotional, or moral support, impacts everyone in a community and helps foster community resilience and closer bonds.
The Dangers of Materialism in Gift Giving
We live in a society that promotes materialism at all times of the year, but especially during the Christmas season. Everywhere, advertisements bombard us, making us think that more possessions will bring happiness, which leads us to spend even more on expensive things. This leads to societal pressure and financial pressure or ruin, which is dangerous. Focusing on materialism can lead to a range of issues, including...
● Impacting Relationships: When people focus on how much a gift costs instead of how meaningful it is, the emotional connection fizzles. Instead of strengthening bonds, the emphasis on cost fosters resentment or disappointment. This is especially true if one party feels they have to reciprocate with an equally lavish gift.
● Superficial Over Substance: Choosing gifts because of their price makes the exchange transactional rather than meaningful. Superficial gift-giving can lead to feelings of obligation rather than appreciation.
● Emotional Consequences: Givers might feel pressured to give extravagant gifts, leading to stress and anxiety that diminishes the joy. Recipients may feel guilty or inadequate, depending on the cost of the gift. Feeling they have to reciprocate with a gift just as expensive creates an unbalanced dynamic.
How Do We Balance the Gift-Giving Dynamic?
We can balance the gift-giving dynamic by considering these factors.
● Prioritize experiences over stuff
● Embrace handmade and personalized gifts
● Encourage acts of kindness
● Have open communication about gift preferences
Alternative Gifts: Experiences Over Possessions
Giving experiences over possessions is a great way to open up the world of the person you love and has many benefits, including;
● Creating lasting memories
● Fostering connections
● Reducing Clutter and Environmental Impact
● Personalization and Thoughtfulness
Kinds of Experience Gifts
Here are some ideas for gift experiences.
● Hot-air balloon ride
● Hiking adventure
● Weekend getaway
● Classes and workshops
● Consider culinary experiences like food tours, wine tastings, and reservations at an expensive restaurant.
● Yoga Retreats
● Spa Days
● Christian meditation workshops
● Tickets to a concert or theater show
● Tickets to a museum or aquarium
● Tickets to the zoo
● A room at a fancy hotel
Sustainable and Ethical Gift Giving
Another kind of gift to consider that’s more personal is gifts that reflect the stewardship of God’s creation. Some principles of ethical giving include;
● Understand the Company: Make sure you check where the company sources your gift and support brands that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and transparency in their supply chains.
● Prioritize Local Artists and Businesses: God created us with all kinds of gifts and talents, so support local artists and businesses. Buy the local artist’s painting, the local author’s new book, or from the independent candy store. This will reduce the carbon footprint, and most of the time, local products use local materials, which is a reminder of God’s creation all around us. For example, the local bakery sources eggs from a local farmer.
● Experiences Over Goods: Give experiences instead of things.
● Choose Eco-Friendly Products: Look for products made of bamboo, organic fabrics, recycled materials, etc.
● Support Charities and Cause-Related Gifts: For example, if you know a cat lover, get them merchandise from their local cat cafe, like a sweatshirt or coffee mug. The proceeds will help care for the cats, and your loved one will receive some fantastic gifts.
Celebrating the Gift of Jesus: The Ultimate Gift
This is also a time for us to reflect on Jesus, the ultimate gift, and all he has done for us. Read the Bible regularly during this gift-giving season and share the gospel if you get a chance. Sharing the gift of Jesus with others is a very meaningful gift this time of year.
Gift giving is more than material things; it’s the thought and meaning behind it that makes all the difference.
Photo credit: Juliana Malta/Unsplash
