Paul’s Approach to Gift-Giving
This is often when the struggle begins, about two weeks before Christmas. What do you get your loved ones? What do you get for that person that seems to have everything or doesn't have anything or doesn't like practical things or only likes expensive things? Ughh! I wish I would've thought about this before :). I actually like gift-giving but it's always such a challenge every year, especially with the clock winding down.
The book of Romans is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. Though he had never met them, Paul expresses his gratitude for them, desire to see them, and to bring them a gift. In Romans 1:11-12, he says "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith." While it's not clear exactly what "spiritual gift" Paul meant to give, it's obvious that he wanted to impart a spiritual blessing to them. I think this is a good model for us. As we think about gift-giving at Christmastime, I think we should always seek to impart a spiritual blessing to others. This doesn't mean that you have to give a bible or a devotional book or something religious. But it means whatever you do, you seek to encourage the other person in the faith. This could be in the words you say or write in the card, or how you serve them or pray for them when you see them.
Because of the pressure to get the perfect gift for others, sometimes gift-giving can feel purely commercial or materialistic. I can sense that in myself. At those times, being a spiritual blessing can get lost on me. Even as we buy and give gifts to others, maybe a couple questions we need to ask ourselves is "are others strengthened in their faith because of their relationship with us? Do we seek to encourage people in the Lord?" Whatever you give to your loved ones this Christmas, let us remember to be like Paul, and impart a spiritual blessing to strengthen people in their faith.
God bless,
Pastor Darren
