I had been Christmas shopping yesterday also, so had the idea of buying and giving gifts fresh on my mind. But after sealing the envelopes headed for these charities and gracing t
hem with stamps, the feeling of genuine satisfaction was so great in me, that I had to stop and ask myself, “Why does this type of giving give me so much joy?”
I pondered the question all night. And finally, the answer came clearly, “Because you’re giving to people of whom you expect absolutely nothing from in return.”
People offer gifts to others for all types of good reasons, but one of the greatest, I believe, is when we give because we want to give, and not because we expect, or have already received, something in return.
Isn’t this the type of gift God has offered us through the life and teaching of Jesus Christ–the “reason for the season”–as the old adage goes?
God gives to us because He loves us. His spiritual gifts are unconditional. Like the sun shines freely and beneficently upon one and all, God blesses each of us with eternal life and love without our even asking for them.
I’m still going to give presents to my wife and family because I love them and want them to know I value all the kindness and care they bestow upon me throughout the year. But I’m also appreciating more the great spiritual benefits that come to the giver who gives secretly and anonymously. There is a certain deep peace and joy that comes from selfless giving that infinitely transcends any amount of attention or adoration heaped upon our person by those who receive our gifts. And this joy and peace, coming from within, is perhaps the greatest gift of all!
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
“Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Matthew
The same type of thoughts ran through my head yesterday, and I looked for charities in my local area where I could send gifts and perhaps volunteer my time. I asked my children that instead of getting a gift for me or for their dad, to buy a gift for a homeless child. They were so excited and thrilled with the idea of doing this, more than if they were getting a gift themselves. I asked them what they wanted for Christmas and they said they had nothing in particular in mind. It seems like the joy of giving to others overshadowed their own wants; it clearly felt so much better! This little experience in my family lifted my own feeling of depression over the commercialism and superficiality of Christmas. It warmed my heart to see the true spirit of Christmas in my own family.
I concur with anonymous giving……..and the challenge to make it as anonymous as possible. It is really hard to give in such a way that no one knows where the gift came from. It is a delight though when you can do it. Thanks Evan for figuring out why it brings such joy…….it is the expecting nothing in return that does it.
Blessings
Karen
Hey, I like Monica’s idea about the kids giving something for a homeless child. A terrific step forward from the self-centeredness that often builds up in children who think in terms of “What can I get for Christmas?” instead of “What can I give?”
Thanks!
Giving in an unselfish way and remaining anonymous is an excellent way to reflect God’s understanding Love. Our Founder gave many donations to many causes which reflect her unselfish love for everyone.
Your examples are excellent.
A note to the Anonymous commenter and a few others. If you’re interested in anonymous giving, you can use givinganonymously.org to do so.
It’s a very transparent organization and is a great way to get feedback from the recipient without actually having your identity given out.
Anyway, I thought it could be useful.