Love and Good Gifts

Luke 6:27-36

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Luke 11:11-13

What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

We all have strengths and weaknesses, and I must admit that gift giving is not a great strength of mine. I much prefer giving quality time or sharing acts of service with others than choosing a good gift. Similarly, cooking is not a particular talent of mine in the realm of managing a home. I would prefer cleaning and related tasks (laundry, sweeping, dusting, anything else!). As a parent, I have found it helpful (and necessary) to be able to do both for my children, cook (they are always hungry!) and give good gifts. Gifts don't need to be large or expensive, just meaningful and heartfelt. I can see the impact of gifts on my children as I watch them lovingly sacrifice and make gifts and cards for one another. Just like the impact of a nourishing meal, a gift from the heart fills them up. I am not advocating for extravagance or excessive spending on gifts that only fuels our desire to acquire and makes things our idol. I see in Scripture that the concept of gift giving and being loved is modeled by our Heavenly Father and I desire to love my children well, giving them good gifts.

This morning, earlier than normal, before Nic went to work we snuck around the house, hiding small gifts for each of the children. Each child got a mini gift box with a few chocolates and some fun necessities (socks, chapstick, notebooks, lotion). When the kids wake up this morning, which I'm sure will be earlier than normal because they are anticipating Valentine's Day, they will search throughout the house looking for their sweet treat. Oh, how I will enjoy watching them search and delight in finding their good gift.

After hiding their gifts Nic and I sat down for our breakfast and I shared my gift with him: two travel mugs and his favorite tea. In the past year's move and in our daily travels we had somehow lost our only travel mug and I was excited to replace it with two so that we could enjoy our Colombian Brewed together on the go.

The fun of giving sweet gifts for Valentine's Day lasts only a day or so, but the best gifts are not things. Last night during our Family Bible Time we were studying how to love one another well. The emphasis was on loving selflessly and sacrificially, learning to bear with one another and forgive repeatedly the offenses of others. These are some of the best gifts we can give our children (with God's help), and in any family they need to be modeled and practiced as they are learned together. In my own weakness and sin, I delight in my Heavenly Father's mercy and good gifts. It is our hope that our children can receive these small, sweet treats from parents who are sinful and full of self, and that they can understand that God's perfect gifts for us each day are infinitely better and sweeter.

Happy Valentine's Day!