King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba whatever she asked for—gifts of greater value than the gifts she had given him. Then she and all her attendants returned to their own land.”
2 Chronicles 9:9, 12 NLT
http://bible.com/116/2ch.9.9,12.nlt
36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
38This is the first and greatest commandment.
39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
I find this interaction by Solomon and The Queen of Sheba very interesting. Queenie gave Solomon a grand gift in gold and spices and jewels. King Solomon turned around and gave her a bunch of stuff. It appears to me that both parties chose to give and to bless the other. But then maybe they gave only to get something from the other person? It is really not clear from the story.
But it did get me thinking about relationships with friends, family, and my wife. What is my gifting like? When I give to someone, am I giving with the sole intention of blessing that person, or am I really just exchanging my gift for something else such as another gift, favor, or even love.
The test is this: When I give a gift to someone else, will I be disappointed if they don’t give me something back?
If I would be disappointed, I am not giving out of love, I am simply exchanging.
When I think about Jesus, His example is pretty clear. He gave Himself to people even when people could not give back anything equivalent to Him.
Here is an interesting idea, since Christmas will be here sooner than we think. Make two lists this Christmas of the gifts you buy. On Exchange list put the gifts that are for people who will give you a gift. On the Bless list put the gifts that are for people that can’t or won’t give you a gift. Divide the value of the gifts on the Exchange list by the value of the gifts on the Bless list. Is the number where you want it to be? If the number is greater than one you are exchanging more than giving. If the number is less than one you are giving more than exchanging. You many want to set a goal for yourself.
Jesus you are a pretty good example of giving without expectation of reward. Help me to give to bless others and not to simply exchange gifts. Help me be more selfless. Help me to give love with no strings attached. When I don’t feel love from someone, help me love deeply. Love You. Tom
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