Gifts We Give Our Fellowmen

THE GREATEST GIFT IS LOVE

Last week we spoke about why we give gifts and what is a real gift. For the next two weeks we are going to talk about the gifts we give.

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus Christ teaches that the two great commandments are to love God and love your neighbor.

We are going to approach this topic backwards, like a countdown.  

God teaches that “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40

What type of gifts do you give others or do others give you?

How do we give this gift of love to others?

One gift of love that I have both given and received recently is forgiveness. A little while ago at a job, I had a boss who praised my efforts and the results I brought the organization. She often told me that in five years she wanted to see me in her position.

Then, over time, attitudes changed as conflicts in the office occurred with co-workers butting heads, myself included.  Everyone complained to my boss and we all looked dumb and childish in retrospect. Long story short, I left the organization after finding a new job with unkind feelings toward my boss for allowing the problem to go on and toward some co-workers for fueling the fire. The irony was that I loved that job and my co-workers more than any other before and since.

Fast forward, I recently went to an event where I knew my former boss would be. I thought that it would be hard if I saw her, but instead of avoiding I chose to forgive by seeking out my former boss and giving her a BIG hug. There is something about forgiveness that helps you find inner peace.

Then, just moments ago, I received a message on Facebook from one of my former co-workers—the person whom I felt fueled the fire more than anyone else. He proceeded to tell me that he had wanted to send me a message for a long time. He said he wanted me to know that he thought I was a wonderful person regardless of our differences. In other words, he was both asking for forgiveness and giving forgiveness. It was mutual.

I found peace knowing that through this gift of love and forgiveness, no hard feelings were harbored. We messaged back and forth and even talked about getting together with some of our old co-workers for lunch.

It is amazing what gifts of love can do not only for those we give to, but also for ourself.

So this Christmas, what gifts of love will you give to your fellowmen? Forgiveness? Service? Laughter? Your company? An invitation? Fulfilling a need? Something else?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!