The festivals described in Leviticus 23 gave the Israelites opportunities to show their love for God by offering Him gifts. Gift-giving remains a potent symbol of love.

Most wedding ceremonies include the giving and receiving of rings. The pastor says, “These rings are outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual bond that unites your two hearts in love that has no end.”

Visual symbols of love are more important to some people than to others. That’s why individuals have different attitudes toward wedding rings. Some never take the ring off. Others seldom wear their wedding band. This often correlates to love language. If receiving gifts is your primary love language, you’ll place great value on your wedding ring, and you may be hurt if your spouse doesn’t feel the same way. Also, you’ll be emotionally moved by other gifts your spouse gives you because you’ll see them as expressions of love. Without gifts as visual symbols, you may question your spouse’s love.

Likewise, if your husband or wife seems deeply hurt when you forget to give a birthday gift, you can know that his or her love language is receiving gifts. Speak that language, and keep your loved one’s love tank full.

Take time to thank God for the variety of His creation, specifically the different love languages He’s given you. Ask Him to bless your efforts to communicate your love for each other and those around you.

Reflect on these questions:

1. How do you feel when someone gives you a specially chosen gift? Why?

2. What are the most meaningful gifts you’ve ever given each other? What made them so meaningful?

3. What does a wedding ring mean to you?

Consider these passages for further study on Gift Giving:

Luke 6:38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you full - pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and pouring into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

Acts 20:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

2 Corinthians 9:10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then breads to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Leviticus 23:1-44. Leviticus 23 tells how the Lord established five holy times when all of Israel was to make a special effort to be holy and draw closer to him. These times were on the Sabbath (see vv. 1–3); at the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, or Passover (see vv. 4–14); at the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost.

I was looking at the different values of gifts. Know the real reason and why one gives. Respect where everyone is and lift them up. You can show love in your way.