The Gift of Gifting

“But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” — 2 Corinthians 8:7

In honor of Brian and Sandy, who excel in the grace of giving. . .

There is a certain depth of friendship that is forged in the warmth of camaraderie and the fires of trial—in “doing life” together. Friends in the military become “family”—don’t you agree? Far from home, our military friends are there when the kids get sick or we need a babysitter at the last minute, when an unexpected TDY causes scheduling problems (and other problems), when the movers make a mistake, when the car breaks down, when a promotion doesn’t happen (or when it does!), when questions arise and you need someone to talk to, when you’re new to a base and need advice on where to go for this or that, when you’re lonely and scared, when you need to share good news (and bad), when you’ve bought a house that needs new wallpaper, when the computer isn’t working right . . . .our list could go on and on. And let us never forget that during military service. . . friends can save our lives. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

In addition, I truly believe that our network of military friends is perhaps one of the most precious gifts that we can give to our children. Military brats are “family” growing up together, and those childhood friendships can go very deep and continue for years beyond the military service of their parents. In these years of deployment, do not be afraid to form friendships with others, even if you think you might be in a place for a short time. In twenty years you may still be “doing life” together.

I could get very sentimental today—and I think I will. Our dear friends, Brian and Sandy, are moving away to go back home to their “family of origin”. . . .and we will miss them terribly. They have taught us, among other things, the grace of giving. Brian and Sandy know what means something to us, and they can zero in on a present like no one else. My daughter and daughter-in-love have that gift, too. . .the “gift of gifting”. If I have it, it’s only because I learned it from Brian and Sandy. This couple excels at it. And although our friendship will never end. . . certainly after today it will not be the same. Starting at Ft. Leavenworth, we have had three assignments together—and into retirement. So we go way back . . . .

But let me tie up this devotional as with a bow—the bow of love. I think our friends give deeply because they love deeply—lavishly. They are lavish in their giving—of time, of talents, of hospitality, of special celebrations and presents—because they have an abundance of love and grace. That deep a love can only come from God.

I remember the first time I heard Chuck Swindoll say the word lavish, in terms of how God pours out His love on us. When he spoke, he said l . . . a . . . v . . . i . . . s . . . h. Perhaps you can picture him drawing out that word, in all of the richness of his voice in order to point out the onomatopoetic sound. In Scripture we find the word lavish: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8) “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)

Deep love and lavish giving are inseparable. The depth of God’s love caused Him to give His very best, His Son. We see that in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” And as great as we can be at giving gifts to one another, God gave us the greatest of all gifts: “ . . .but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

We learned in the military to never say “good-bye”. So, for now, I’ll just say “See you later, Brian and Sandy.” We are brothers and sisters in Christ, with the promise of eternal life—so we know this is true no matter what circumstances lay ahead. These years together have been a great gift. . . from God, the greatest Gift-giver.

Questions to Share:

1. Think about the friends that you are making right now in the military. In what ways do you consider them to be gifts from God?

2. Do you have a friend who would consider you to be a gift from God? What do you give of yourself that would cause that friend to be grateful for you?