As the Christmas season approaches, the spirit of giving often takes center stage. It’s a time when we reflect on generosity, love, and the joy of sharing. Yet, amidst the lights, celebrations, and exchanges, I’ve realized a profound truth: we cannot give what we do not have. The deeper tragedy, though, is not in those who lack but in those who have and refuse to give.

We can become so consumed by who is giving, who is not, or whether what we give is reciprocated that it distracts us from the true essence of this season. The comparisons, disappointments, and perceived unfairness can drag us into resentment or even despair. But the beauty of giving—true, selfless giving—is that it is never wasted. I’ve always believed that the good you do comes back to you, multiplied tenfold. It may not return in the form you expect, but it always finds its way back to you.

Generosity: The Cornerstone of Faith

At the heart of giving lies love—deep, spiritual love that springs from knowing and experiencing God. For Christians, generosity is not merely a seasonal practice but a fundamental expression of faith. The act of giving is rooted in God’s love for us: a love so profound that it becomes the wellspring from which we give of ourselves.

When we acknowledge God and allow His love to fill us, it creates a joy within our hearts that naturally overflows into generosity. Giving, then, is not an obligation—it is a reflection of God’s love within us. Only a heart deeply touched by love can give without holding back. Conversely, those who cannot give often reflect a disconnect, a void where love has not yet taken root.

Sharing: The Heart of Giving

At its core, giving is about sharing. It’s not just about grand gestures or material wealth; it’s about sharing what we have, no matter how small or humble. It could be our time, our resources, or simply our love and presence. Sharing is the act of recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and that we are stewards of these blessings, not owners.

Yet, how often do we see people who have been blessed abundantly but refuse to share? This is the saddest irony of all. To have resources, love, or gifts and hold them tightly is to miss the point entirely. When we cling to what we have, we allow fear and scarcity to dominate us. But when we share freely, we step into abundance and experience the joy of seeing others blessed through us.

The Joy of Giving

Giving is not just for the benefit of others; it transforms the giver. When we give from a place of love, we feel a joy that no material possession can provide. It connects us to something greater than ourselves—a divine purpose, a reminder that we are all interconnected.

This Christmas, let’s move beyond the distractions of “who did what” or “who deserves what” and focus on the spirit of giving as an act of love and faith. Let us give without expecting, share without resentment, and love without holding back. Because in the end, the gifts that matter most—love, kindness, and generosity—are the ones that cannot be measured but are felt deeply in the soul.

A Final Thought

As we embrace the season, remember: the gifts God has given us are not ours to hoard. They are meant to be shared, to bless others, and to remind us that true abundance lies not in what we have but in what we give. Let the spirit of giving flow from your heart, and you will find that you, too, are blessed in ways you could never imagine.