Olive Branch Newsletter For July, 2001
By Gabrielle Staben
Giving
A well-considered gift given in the proper spirit blesses both the giver and the receiver. When giving a gift, the greatest thrill is in knowing that we gave just what they wanted. We work hard trying to find just the perfect gift. Giving (ideally) is an expression of our love in a tangible form. When receiving a gift, we are warmed in our hearts to know that someone spent time looking for, or making just the right thing. Through giving and receiving, a bond of love and respect is nourished and strengthened.
In our every day lives we give for many reasons. We sometimes give as a tangible sign of thanks for blessings we have received, as an expression of love in order to receive perceived rewards (love, tax breaks) or in order to store up "favors" for some future need. When we act as Christians, our reasons for giving to our church are just as varied and complicated. Sometimes we give out of habit, out of love, out of obligation, or because everyone else is doing it and we'd feel out of place if we didn't do the same.
In my giving, I think I have cycled through all of those feelings several times over. As my best self, I think I would like to give to the church just as if I were giving a gift from myself to my beloved God. "Lord, I worked really hard on this, I sure hope you like it." I am sure that God receives my gifts in the same spirit in which they are given. I suppose I am saying that intention is critical in the act of giving in an abundant fashion. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
Those of you readers who have no church affiliation, don't think you're off the hook! Giving to something bigger than ourselves (a charitable organization or group whose cause is close to your heart) is a need of the spirit. It is part of how we know that we are an important part of the whole. Only a child merely receives. It takes a true adult to understand that giving is how we keep the circle going. We give to the whole because we acknowledge that we are a part of it. It is only when we act as a part of the whole, that we receive abundance in the natural course of things.
Next time you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and out of sorts--give. Don't give until it hurts, give until it feels good!
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