What does love give?

A growing connection begins to develop between the gift and their relationship with the giver. If they get what they hoped for they see this as an expression of love from the giver. If their hopes are dashed by the wrong gift, then this can reflect badly on the giver. No wonder Christmas can be so stressful. You thought it was just about giving presents but there is a degree of subtlety in the giving of gifts.

Giving a gift that touches someone requires the effort of love. It must demonstrate your understanding of your friend. The gift shows you have made an effort to know and care for them by giving them a gift that you know they will like. This is the essential ingredient in a good gift. If you can demonstrate your love for a person in the giving of a gift, it doesn’t really matter how much it cost, or whether they needed it, or whether they even hoped for it. More important than the gift is the giving of yourself, your love, your friendship and your care.

We are like kids who eagerly tear away the wrapping paper only to be disappointed with the gift that God has given us. We wanted a good education, a good job, a good marriage, good children, a good holiday, a good life. Instead we suffer, we toil, we struggle and we wonder how much more we can put up with. The Bible tells us that “God is love” (1 John 4:16). So the million dollar question is, what does Love give?

Please come to our Carol Service to discover what Love gives; Sunday 21 December at 7pm in The Gap State High School Auditorium. For more information visit  www.godsgap.net or you can get in touch with me by email.

the Rev (Chris Perona)