Giving The Gift

I felt amazing to bless others with a surprising gift.

Genesis 33:1-20

Reference: “Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it.” Genesis‬ ‭33:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Explore: For work we needed to send some gifts to people in different states of Australia. I busily looked online, trying to find appropriate presents for us to have delivered.

For our Sydney friends we sent a freshly cooked meal, for Perth we sent a chocolate hamper and for Melbourne we had a fruit basket delivered. Once everything was ordered I sat back and waited.

I was so excited to hear the response from the recipients. They were all so surprised and grateful and, even though it was a gift from work, I felt amazing to bless others with a surprising gift.

I decided then and there that I would do something similar in my personal life too. The feeling was too good to leave just for work, and so, since this day I have sent hampers to other friends and felt the joy of giving gifts.

Application: To give something that is expected is a good achievement, but to give something unexpected is pure joy for both the giver and the receiver. The saying “it is better to give than receive” is often true.

Jacob gave gifts to his brother Esau because he was worried he would be coming to fight him. When Esau came in peace and handed back the gifts Jacob insisted he keep them.

I can only imagine that the gifts now given in peace were much more graciously given than the exact same gifts given to appease.

Gifts do not need to be expensive. The best ones are heartfelt.

Giving a gift is a great way to make two people feel great!

Prayer: Lord, You are the ultimate giver of gifts. Thank You for all You have blessed us with. May we be just as generous to others. Amen.

What gift can you give this week?

generous, Genesis, gifts, giving, peace, receiving