The Meaning of Giving

The Meaning of Giving
December, a month that is truly one of my favorite times of the year. This month is full of love, laughter, singing, lights, giving, and so much more. There’s something about this time of the year that truly brings people together. Though, oftentimes we can get carried away in our own worries during this busy time and forget the true meaning of why we are celebrating. An area that always seems to take up a majority of my time during Christmas is wrapping presents. I’m always trying to make sure that I have all the gifts for who I need to give to, and that the wrapping paper looks perfect when I’m done. Then I finish off the gift with a nice bow on top.
This all sounds nice and seems like I have all my ducks in a row when it comes to giving, but I’m realizing that might be further from the truth then I think. Am I truly giving out of love for these people? Or am I seeking favor and praise from them? Why do I care so much about how the gifts look wrapped? Am I giving and expecting something in return? These are all questions that I have been faced to ask myself during this time of the year. The only true person I should be seeking favor from is God himself. He gave up His own son as a gift to us to have eternal life. The only thing He seeks in return is to believe in Him.
So if you are reading this, I encourage you to ask yourself these hard questions. The answers might not be what we want to hear, but it will definitely shine a light on realizing what it truly means to give. I know that by reading God's scripture, the gift of giving will have a whole new meaning during this time of the year for me.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
“For God so loved the world he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but a sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed” (Proverbs 15:13).
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you” (Deuteronomy 16:17).
By:  Jaime Clay