GIF Different Gifts

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
(Proverbs 11:25)

Different Gifts
by Chuck Bentley

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? If not, you may be dreading the crowds and the pressure of buying more than you can afford.

As you plan your gift giving for this Christmas, I would like to suggest some alternatives to the traditional shopping treks throughout the malls.

Consider the person you want to give to and think about what they will appreciate that does not have to be purchased. Your gift should be a generous expression of your love that actually cannot be acquired through a purchase.

A handmade gift is often the ideal choice. Take the time to make something for the person you want to honor. One year, our foreign exchange student surprised us with a beautiful picture that she painted for us. We were surprised and blessed by this, knowing the countless hours she spent to express her generous love for us.

Heirlooms can be a meaningful expression of love for family. Passing along a prized antique or collection to your children can mean more to them than anything you could purchase. My grandfather once gave me a knife from a collection that he made with his own hands. It remains one of my fondest memories of him and our relationship.

One year, I wanted to be generous with a special group of friends, but I could not afford to buy gifts for each one. At our Christmas gathering, I gave each one a card with a handwritten Bible verse that reminded me of that person after praying for each one. To this day, that group thanks me for the special meaning that verse holds for them.

Daily Scripture Reading:
2 Corinthians 10 – 13