Gift-giving is no doubt a popular tradition of the Christmas season. It is a beautiful opportunity to reflect God's character and express love as we celebrate God’s generous gift of life through His Son Jesus Christ.
While this can be a delightful tradition that stirs up joy for both the giver and the receiver, it can prove to be the opposite if we aren’t careful. The materialistic culture of our day has taken holiday gift-giving to extremes and has in ways tainted its simple beauty. If we are not intentional, we can fall prey to conforming to the world and its mindset. What does a worldly mindset regarding Christmas gifts look like?
Here are a few that I recognize:
a focus on materialism,
pressure to spend more than what one has,
selfishness as people trample one another to get the item they want.
For me personally, I tend toward fear that gifts I chose aren’t “good enough” (which is really people pleasing or fear of man). But, as I learn to trust the Lord more and to abide Him, He renews my mind and restores the joy of blessing others with gifts.
So, how can we, as children of God, approach gift-giving in a way that glorifies Him? Well, below are some scriptures to help us renew our minds in this area. As you read through them, ask the Holy Spirit to help you honor God with your thoughts, attitudes, and actions this holiday season. If you are looking for ideas, I have a list on my Holiday Gift Ideas page.
Scriptures to mold our approach to gift-giving:
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
While giving gifts is an opportunity to bless others and reflect God’s character, it will never earn us favor with God. Only in the finished work of Jesus Christ are we made holy and blameless. So whether you give or receive or neither, keep abiding in Him. If you have questions about what that means, please feel free to contact me (gina@riseandabidewellness.com); I'd love to discuss it with you.
May our gifts this holiday season be an overflow of gratitude for what God has done for us, and may they be given with cheerful, willing hearts, bringing joy to others and glory to God.
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