The Christmas countdown has officially begun. With the year that we have had, I have never felt so ready to embrace the joy of the festive season, even if it might look a little different. Christmas truly is special for many people, even for those who aren’t Christian, as we all exchange presents and spend time with the people we love.
One thing that gives me all the Christmas feels is watching my loved ones open their gifts. Of course, it’s nice to receive gifts yourself, but there’s something so exciting about gifting someone a present that you know they’ll love or that they really need. Did you know giving is actually biblical? The Bible talks time and time again about the importance of giving.
In everything I’ve done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting’. Acts 20:35
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19:17
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Giving is an act of obedience to God but it also reflects God’s salvation. Jesus gave Himself so that we can have hope that one day, we will spend forever with Him.
There are so many other benefits to giving:
- It makes us happy.
- It’s good for our health (lowers our blood pressure and stress).
- It gives us a purpose.
- It’s contagious. Once you give, it encourages other people to give too.
- It increases social connection. People who give tend to be likeable.
There are many ways to give. It doesn’t have to be something you have to buy. It could be a handmade gift that you can make to cheer someone up. It could be your time, checking in with a friend and having a good old chat over the phone. It could be your presence, organising to meet up with a group of your friends and getting a hot chocolate. It could even be helping your friend with a project or their homework.
This Christmas, why not put some extra special thought into the ways you can give to the people around you. You can comment below if you have any ideas of ways that we can give this Christmas and together, we can all embrace the gift of giving this year.
