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Giving is at the heart of human kindness and, when done right, is an absolute reflection of the spirit of God – the ultimate giver…

Wikipedia, defines a gift as; “the transfer of something without the expectation of receiving something in return.”

With Christmas Eve two weeks away the hustle and bustle of the holiday is in full swing. Stores are filled with people just like you trying to find that perfect gift for all the friends and family in their lives.
Unfortunately, people can often get so concerned with what others might think of what they’re giving, they forget to focus on the thought and meaning behind it.

Many times on this show you have heard me say that the purpose or spirit of the law is more important than the law itself. Likewise, the purpose or spirit of the gift should be more important than the gift itself.

You’ve heard it said, “it’s the thought that counts” and this is absolutely true. When you are giving a gift, the “thought” is what that person means to you, why you wanted to give a gift in the first place.

Gifts don’t have to be expensive they have to be thoughtful. Giving is not about yielding to the pressure of the holidays, it is about using the holidays as a reminder to give to those who have touched your life in positive ways.

Gifts also let the people you care about know how you feel about them, that you are thinking of them. Your gifts should be about who this person is to you and to show them you really know who they are as a person.

For example, in scripture the magi came to Bethlehem and gave gifts to Christ that were meaningful and significant to who He was (and is):
There was gold to show the royalty of the newborn King, Frankincense that pointed to Christ’s deity, and Myrrh, what might seem like a strange gift for a newborn child, but myrrh was often used for embalming – this represented the importance of Christ’s death and the resurrection to come.

Sadly, today there is so much stress that comes when people get caught up with the whole idea of giving.

No doubt about it, God teaches giving should always be a joy whether you are giving to God, the church or family and friends.
2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

And I realize that receiving a physical box with a gift inside is exciting but remember that the best gift is the gift of your time. There are no other commodities in your life like time because you can’t make more of it!

Slow down this holiday season…give your family and friends the gift of your time.

Holidays, or “holy days” as they were once know, are supposed to be for relaxation, bonding with your family and God, and focusing on your beliefs.
During this holiday season, be the giver who’s sincere, spontaneous, and who willingly and joyfully gives. It’s not about what the gift is; it’s about why you’re giving it.