Who doesn't like to receive a gift, especially something that is needed? However, isn't it a greater joy to give a necessary and well-received gift? As Jesus said, "there is more happiness in giving than in receiving". (Acts 20:35)
However, sometimes doubts or problems arise about the distribution of gifts, especially if it is a local custom.
As an example of a local custom of giving gifts, some people in Australia have a habit of giving “tea to tea” to a woman shortly before her wedding. In North America this is called a "wedding party" and there is also a "baby shower". Friends and family come together for an evening to socialize and have snacks, and to 'bathe' the wife or partner with gifts that will help cope with the new circumstances of decorating a home or arriving. of a new baby to handle something.
The "bath" may not be a habit while you are alive, but it may be a habit to bring flowers or fruit when you visit a friend in the hospital or when you are invited to dinner. someone. How does it feel to give gifts in these situations?
The wise counsel of God
The Bible contains many prompts for generosity. We read: "The generous soul itself will gain weight, and those who water others will also be watered." "He who is good is blessed because he has given his food to the poor". (Prov. 11:25; 22: 9) John the Baptist recommended: "The man who has two garments shares what he does not have." And Jesus urged, “Practice the gift and people will give to you. . . . Because when you measure, they will measure you back. ""
It is not a written error to modestly identify yourself as a donor upon request, possibly on a follow-up note. But when it comes to giving gifts, Jehovah gives advice that takes human imperfections into account. For example, there is a risk of giving a gift to confer fame. Jesus advised, “If you walk with gifts of mercy, do not sound the trumpet before you. . . To keep your gifts of mercy secret, don't let your left hand know what your right is doing. then your father, who sees in secret, will pay you. “How wise and kind he is! If the identity of the donor is made public, one may be tempted to give beyond one's means, perhaps to match the value of donations from others. How true is the saying: "There are those who claim to be rich and have nothing".
The Bible also does not recommend generosity or giving that can encourage laziness. He says, "Make it your goal ... work with your hands" because "if someone doesn't want to work don't let them eat." The apostle Paul said he personally worked "to avoid placing a costly burden on others."
"Showers" and other gifts
When a future mother or couple is in dire need of help, you can see how kind and caring it can be to offer gifts that will make the adjustment easier. Sad to say, but sometimes people have “showers” for a completely different reason. For example, a woman wrote to a reporter about a "bathroom" reserved for her plump sister. About one of the twenty guests present said:
“We analyzed all the gifts and cards and found nothing on this woman. He came empty-handed on purpose. . . We were all shocked. ""
The newspaper's editor partially replied:
“I've received hundreds of letters from women saying they've been invited to four or five bathrooms for the same girl. You see the whole shower scene as a big scam and I have to say your letter gives your complaint a lot of validity.”
Yes, while a "bath" may be a great occasion for associations, refreshments, and gifts, it can also be a mockery of the spirit of Christian generosity. What a pity that people come to the conclusion that their gifts are more important than their presence! The error of focusing on gifts can be seen when we discover that someone invited may not be able to pay for a gift or plans to do something at the wedding or after the baby is born.
During some "showers", the giver is identified by each gift before the others are present. This can embarrass anyone who has not taken a gift. And it can lead to gift comparisons between those with few resources and those who are rich (or claim to be rich). (Acts 2: 1-9) It is much better not to identify donors by name! By following Jesus' counsel toward gathering, one avoids embarrassment or comparison and therefore promotes a happier, more Christian spirit. Regarding giving to needy Christians in the first century, Paul wrote: “Do what you have determined in your heart, not reluctantly or under pressure, for God loves what he gives with joy.
By keeping this divine advice in mind, you will avoid feeling uncomfortable with someone who does not bring a gift, whether it is a "bath" while visiting patients at the hospital for meals or at any other time. Local customization may include a gift. It is much better to see a gift as an expression of "love without hypocrisy" than a mere formality based on local custom!
In the same way, there is no need to feel competitive when our motives are governed by the word of God. If you were in the hospital, would you not appreciate a single margarita or orange coming to you from someone who cares about you lovingly, rather than a handful of orchids or a fruit costume that you get? "one for" duty "?
In the same way, no one should feel that they should give an "equal" gift in exchange for something they have received. One woman said that when a friend came to her house for dinner and took with her "a bracelet and an earring, a box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne", she suggested that they go to dinner with that person. But why would it? Individual circumstances are different. Even if not, does the feeling really matter? We see this when Jesus congratulates the poor woman, whose gift to God was only two small coins.
When our gift and spirit are in harmony with God's perfect counsel, it is truly a foundation for happiness, both for the giver and the recipient.
Good counsel,thanks for sharing,thanks