Gifts are mentioned many times throughout the Bible, both in the Old Testament and New Testament. God is the ultimate gift giver, and Scripture encourages us to be gracious when receiving gifts as well as to be generous in giving gifts. In examining what the Bible teaches about receiving gifts, several key principles emerge that are applicable for Christians today.
Introduction
Gifts play an important role in culture and relationships. Many of us enjoy both giving and receiving gifts – it’s exciting to surprise someone with a present and to be surprised in return! However, gifts are more than just material items. They can signify love, friendship, celebration, gratitude, unity, or charity. As Christians, it’s important we develop biblical views on gifts so that we can glorify God whether we are on the giving or receiving end.
The Bible contains various passages about gifts which provide principles for how believers should think about and respond to gifts. There are stories of God’s people giving and receiving gifts, instructions from Paul about supporting church leaders financially, and Jesus’ teaching that any gift we receive should be graciously accepted with thankfulness and humility. As we explore what Scripture says about receiving gifts, let’s keep in mind the ultimate gift we’ve been given – salvation through Christ!
Key Takeaways:
- Gifts show love and build relationships
- God is the source of every good gift
- We should accept gifts with humility and thankfulness
- Refusing a gift can offend the giver
- Gifts should be given freely with a cheerful heart
- Be a cheerful giver and look for opportunities to bless others
- Use gifts for godly purposes and to glorify God
Gifts Show Love and Build Relationships
Throughout Scripture, the giving and receiving of gifts signifies love and develops relationships. Proverbs 18:16 says “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.” When someone gives a thoughtful gift, it shows they care for and appreciate the recipient. The gift creates goodwill and affection between giver and receiver. As Ecclesiastes 3:13 notes, the ability to rejoice and do good in one’s lifetime is a gift from God. Sharing gifts is a way we can rejoice in God’s blessings and spread that joy to others.
Receiving gifts graciously is an opportunity to build rapport and show honor. When believers accept a gift, it strengthens fellowship with the giver and cultivates unity within the body of Christ. As Paul writes in Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Gifts are a tangible way to express this love and honor. Whether it’s a birthday present, financial support for ministry, or hospitality, receiving gifts with gratitude grows relationships.
God is the Source of Every Good Gift
While people are the ones wrapping and delivering presents, Scripture is clear that every perfect gift comes from above. James 1:17 declares, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” Gifts are part of God’s provision and generosity. Deuteronomy 16:17 says to not appear before the Lord empty-handed, but to give as you are able “as the Lord your God has blessed you.” As we receive blessings from others, we should remember the Lord’s hand of providence behind human acts of kindness.
Because God is the ultimate giver, we can trust that He has our best interest in mind. When we accept a gift, we can be confident it comes from a Father who wants good things for His children. “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11 assures us. The generosity of people reflects the lavish generosity of the Lord. As James 1:18 says, “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” Every gift we receive on earth is an extension of God’s gift of new life through Christ.
Accept Gifts with Humility and Thankfulness
Scripture encourages graciously receiving gifts as an act of humility and thanksgiving. When someone gives a gift, the natural response is to politely accept it, not reject it. Jesus told the disciples in Luke 10:8, “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.” Likewise, when someone offers a gift, we should eat what is set before us! Refusing hospitality or a present can offend the giver. Ecclesiastes 7:7 warns, “Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart.” To arrogantly refuse a gift implies suspicion or distrust. This creates strain in relationships.
Instead, the Bible advises responding to gifts with gratitude. In Acts 28, Paul graciously accepted hospitality from the islanders who showed him kindness after he shipwrecked there. He didn’t reject their charity since they gave freely. When we appreciate gifts in humility, it honors the giver. “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great” Proverbs 18:16 notes. Our humble reception of gifts gives opportunity for givers to be blessed.
The ability to thankfully receive comes from recognizing every gift as an act of grace. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” Romans 15:7 reminds believers. Christ humbly accepted us though we were undeserving. As we graciously welcome gifts, it brings glory to God. Thankfulness is the appropriate response to gifts since ultimately, they all come from the Lord. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 proclaims.
Refusing a Gift Can Offend the Giver
In addition to accepting gifts thankfully, the Bible warns that rejecting a gift outright can be offensive to the giver. When someone generously extends a gift, they are demonstrating care, honor, and a willingness to sacrifice on your behalf. To refuse this gesture of goodwill is unwise and unkind. Proverbs 17:8 explains “A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.” People give gifts because they expect it will please the recipient. When the recipient refuses, it insults them.
We see an example of this when David tries to offer gifts to his friend Barzillai for his loyalty. Yet Barzillai declines saying “I am eighty years old today. Can I tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers?” (2 Samuel 19:34-35). In his old age, Barzillai could not fully enjoy David’s thoughtful presents. Yet he does not outright refuse the offer, which would have shamed King David. He politely declines while honoring David’s kindness. This preserves their friendship while avoiding offense.
As believers, we want to mimic this tact and grace in responding to gifts. Ecclesiastes 7:7 warns that oppressing those extending favor only leads to strife. While we cannot accept every gift if our conscience or calling prevents it, we can still acknowledge the giver’s generosity in a way that maintains Christian unity and love. Our dealings with others should be full of grace, guarding our hearts against pride (Hebrews 12:15).
Gifts Should Be Given Freely and Cheerfully
In analyzing what the Bible teaches about receiving gifts, we also learn that gifts should be given freely and cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7 sets the guideline, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” If someone feels forced or guilted into giving a gift, their resentment taints the offering. Healthy gifts arise from a heart inclined to bless the recipient, not obligation.
Cheerful giving also means the giver isn’t trying to curry favor or impress others. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus instructs giving to be private, not done “to be honored by others”. Giving gifts should come from a place of sincerity. Paul highlights this in Philippians 1:15-17, distinguishing between those who “preach Christ out of selfish ambition” and those who “preach Christ out of love”. Proper gifts are motivated by affection, not a selfish desire for recognition. The giver’s attitude matters.
As recipients, being aware of these principles helps us appreciate gifts without taking advantage. Healthy relationships are mutual; there is joy both in giving and receiving graciously. “A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice” Proverbs 17:23 notes. Justice involves keeping gift-giving reciprocal, not exploiting others’ generosity. As we receive cheerfully, we sow seeds for blessing those who have blessed us. Mutual generosity fosters community.
Be a Cheerful Giver and Bless Others
God generously showers gifts on His children, so we are called to reflect His generosity through cheerful and liberal giving. As we appreciate this, Scripture encourages us to follow God’s example and be generous givers ourselves. Acts 20:35 records Paul saying, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” The joy of bringing delight through gifts is powerful. As we gratefully receive, it should compel us to also give cheerfully.
Proverbs 11:25 promises, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Giving opens the door for God’s blessings to overflow in our own life. 2 Corinthians 9:8 assures “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Receiving graciously then motivates us to also extend grace and share our abundance with others. This spreads joy and meets needs within the body of Christ.
The Bible highlights many examples of responding to gifts through generosity. The Macedonians gave abundantly out of poverty to support believers in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). Zacchaeus famously pledged to give half his wealth to the poor and repay those he extorted four times over after encountering Jesus’ grace (Luke 19:1-9). Tabitha “was always doing good and helping the poor” through her gift of crafting (Acts 9:36). There are many ways we can cheerfully give to bless others just as we’ve been blessed.
Use Gifts for Godly Purposes
A final principle that arises in studying Scripture’s teaching on gifts is that gifts should be used for godly purposes. 2 Timothy 1:6 reminds us “to fan into flame the gift of God” given to believers. Our gifts and resources should be leveraged to serve others, spread the Gospel and advance God’s Kingdom. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 teaches that the recipients of gracious gifts are accountable to use them wisely and productively. Burying our gifts is unwise and unfruitful.
Romans 12:6 advises believers to use their gifts “in accordance with the grace given to us”. If someone graciously gives a financial gift, we might use those unexpected funds to support missionary work or donate to a mercy ministry. When blessed with abilities or talents, we can steward these gifts for ministry. Those given hospitality can return the blessing by opening their homes as well. No matter how we’re gifted, the goal is using those gifts to reflect God’s generosity to us. Our gifts support the growth of the church and reaching the lost.
Colossians 3:17 instructs, “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This encompasses how we receive and steward gifts. As stewards, our focus is furthering God’s work rather than selfish interests. Generous giving enables ministry expansion. Gracious receiving motivates us to service. Embracing gifts as tools for ministry brings glory to God.
Conclusion
The Bible offers much wisdom on gifts – how we should give them freely and receive them graciously. Most importantly, gifts are an opportunity to honor others, build relationships, and reflect God’s generous character. The key principles from Scripture include:
- Gifts show love and build relationships
- God is the source of every good gift
- We should accept gifts with humility and thankfulness
- Refusing a gift can offend the giver
- Gifts should be given freely with a cheerful heart
- Be a cheerful giver and look for opportunities to bless others
- Use gifts for godly purposes and to glorify God
Whether giving or receiving, approaching gifts through the lens of Scripture helps us become conduits of God’s grace. This strengthens Christian community and advances the Kingdom. The next time you unwrap a present or share a financial offering to support ministry, remember the biblical truths about gifts. Allow these principles to shape your perspective, so that God is honored and relationships enriched as we reflect His lavish generosity.
