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Most of us have
heard the old expression “It Is Better To Give Than Receive”!
So, we wonder “why” is it better to give than receive? Does
not everyone like to acquire something from someone for
himself/herself far better? After all, if it is something he likes
very much or had desired to have he should feel like “jumping for
joy”! Well, certainly we all like to get a gift. If the present is
wrapped, there is the element of surprise that is truly exciting and
stimulating. Further, if it is packaged in a particular wrapping that
sets a “mood” with its color or design, it likewise sets the tone
for immediate happiness.
 There
is no doubt that when we are given a present, especially from someone
we like, admire for their certain abilities, are attracted to in a
romantic way or as a special avenue to express another’s thanks
because we may have helped him/her to accomplish a task; that it makes
us happy and thankful as well. Because now we possess something
tangible that we had not had, prior to this person’s motivation to
get a gift for us.
However, sometimes
we may feel that it may not have been necessary for him/her to do so.
We may be embarrassed that this person extended himself/herself for us
in such a kind way, especially if the gift is something costly or rare
to find. Or, maybe it is a very simple gift but, so very thoughtful
and we are a bit “taken back” by this thoughtfulness and
generosity. Too, it may be something we have always wanted, and now we
feel somewhat indebted. In addition, we may know for a fact, that the
provider of the gift did not have the “means” to have extended
himself in such a way. In any case, with emotion, we accept the
precious gift gladly and graciously because someone had thought about
us! Hopefully, and almost assuredly, we will cherish it for a long
time to come.
On the other hand,
let us think about “why” this thought about it being better to
“give” came into being. Very basically, we believe that it all has
something to do with those “fruitages of the spirit” that have
been bestowed upon men’s hearts. We ask, “What are these
“fruitages of the spirit” we are speaking of? In actuality, there
are nine, and they are easy to discern. They are love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, goodness, kindness, mildness, faith and self-control;
and they are all enhanced when one “gives” to another.
It has been said
that the heart of a person is his “seat of motivation”; or in
other words, from as person’s innermost feelings of the heart arises
the will and desire that moves his mind to act upon those feelings.
If one has said of
another person that he is very “loving”, it means that he conveys
a great feeling of closeness with respect, or admiration for his
fellow man, and feels compassion and sympathy as well.
When a person is
said to be “joyful” he radiates happiness and usually that
exuberance is an integral part of his life so that it rubs off on
anyone he comes in contact with.
A
person of “peace” is always looking to smooth over any ill
feelings another may have in his presence and unite his companions and
all mankind.
One who is
“longsuffering” has endurance and tolerance for the faults and
misgivings of others and makes personal sacrifices to bring about
tranquility.
We have heard it
said that a person is good or has a “good” heart. His character is
such that he displays “goodness” or the best possible conduct in
what he does in his life and for other people.
It is said, that a
when a person is “kind”, he is always keeping in mind the welfare
of others, and is a sharing, giving person.
When a person is
said to possess “mildness”, it means that the person has shown in
his life that he is not easily angered and would do most anything to
help another; he thinks before he does!
A “faithful”
person never gives up on another, but is always there, willing to
believe in you and stick by you through easy times as well as
troublesome times.
And last of all,
when one exhibits “self-control”, he is at his best to enhance his
own good speech and conduct as well as that of others in any given
circumstances.
Every human born has
the given choice to learn these fruitages and with proper training can
acquire the ability to cultivate all nine of these fruitages in his
personal life; and almost all of us have already attained several or
as much as all of these qualities to a certain degree. That is why
when one “gives” to another, any one or combinations of these
fruitages or feelings of the heart are activated and the person is
touched by an inner sense of well-being and accomplishment. One can
hardly feel “down hearted” after he has given to another.
Hence, when a person
has not only given of himself, but also has given a tangible gift to
someone else, he witnesses and senses all of the good feelings that
the recipient gets. For example, he may see that
sparkle in the other person’s eye and big smile when handed the
gift. He also sees the anticipation and excitement of the recipient
who is about to open the gift. Too, he has the reward of viewing the
person’s reaction when the gift is revealed, and the expression of
thankfulness that the person conveys after receiving it. He then has
the knowledge that he has pleased someone other than himself and has
done something very special to touch the life of another.
Coupled with this,
the giver also experiences any combinations of the nine fruitages he
is likely to have activated in his own heart! So, in reality, the
giver of a gift receives a DOUBLE BLESSING does he not?!
The giving from
one’s own heart as well as the giving of tangible gifts to others
has been a custom as old as antiquity and has always had a special
meaning of it’s own. Therefore, be encouraged to always keep in mind
that there are many opportunities in which to give gifts. And, it does
not have to be a spectacular occasion, nor does it have to be a
spectacular gift. Endeavor to be a “cheerful giver”, and let it
not be the giving “under compulsion”, but from the heart! It has
been said that a giver of gifts has many lasting blessings, and now
you know why!
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