When was the last time you gave your loved one a gift? What did you give? If you can’t answer those questions, then a gift is long overdue. Gift giving is one of the five fundamental languages of love. A gift to your loved one is visible evidence of your loving thoughts.

Undoubtedly the most famous gifts in the Bible are the gifts from the wise men to the baby Jesus. These men brought costly gifts of gold and expensive spices, and in doing so they honored Jesus and showed that they believed Him to be king. Mary and Joseph must have felt awed by these beautiful things and by the love for their Son that these gifts signified.

The gift to your loved one need not be expensive. Men, you can find free flowers. Just go out in the yard and pick some. That’s what children do, and the effect is thoughtful and charming. If you cannot find flowers in your yard, ask a neighbor for a flower or two.

However, if you can afford to buy gifts, don’t just give free flowers. Why not invest some of your money in time? Time spent with your loved one? Give your loved one something you know will be appreciated. If you feel uncertain, ask! Explain that you want to buy something nice, and ask for a list of some items your loved one would like to have. Even the act of asking yields valuable information and shows curiosity about your loved one. Giving a thoughtful gift builds your relationship.

Spend time talking with God. Thank the Lord for the example of the wise men, who brought the best they had to express their love for Jesus. Ask God to help you do your best to show to your loved one through thoughtful, meaningful gifts.

Reflect on these questions:

What’s your favorite gift you’ve ever received from your loved one? Why?

What makes a gift special in your eyes?

Give your loved one some gift ideas. What would you like to have?

Study these passages on Gifts:

Matthew 2:1-12

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2:1-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Ruth 3:1-15

“One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.” So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor.” He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town.”
‭‭Ruth‬ ‭3:1-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1 Samuel 18:1-4

“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭18:1-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Proverbs 11:25

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thoughts are from Gary Chapman and gave me thoughts to prepare for thoughtful gifts. Share your experience.