Regifting

We've all done it - but many are too embarrassed to admit it. We've received a gift, then turned around and passed it on to someone else. The modern terminology is "regifting".

People do it for all sorts of different reasons - selfish and unselfish. For some, it's a convenient way to get rid of an unwanted present; others dislike the clutter or like to feel like they've "contributed" so they give it to charity. For some the reasons are highly practical and unselfish: they love the gift but can't afford to buy, so they pass it on to someone else out of love.

I've been thinking about regifting in terms of what you do -- what we all are called to do every day. Jesus may be the only Giver who actually expects and prefers that we re-gift what He gives us! Unlike our parents or friends, He won't be offended when we pass on a present from Him.

Certainly this applies to the Gospel message ... all of us who have received are expected to be His witnesses and pass that on to others. But it also applies to His gifts of grace - those spiritual gifts that are given not for the benefit of the giver but the edification of the body. It applies to love, which comes from Him to us but doesn't stop there - we are to love others. It applies to mercy and all good things. We are commanded to bless others ... and those blessings originate from the hand of God. We are truly blessed to be a blessing - to "regift" to someone else what we have been given.

What gifts have you received from Jesus this Christmas season? Think through those things - both tangible and intangible - that you have been blessed with. That extra check. That unexpected free afternoon. That profound forgiveness. That mercy. That present right there in the corner.

Now ask God to reveal to you how He would have you use those blessings to bless someone else. Is there someone He wants you to spend the day with? Someone you should forgive or be merciful to? Consider whether He wants you to share some of your bonus, or even pass along a nice present to someone who needs it.

Regifting - it's really not a new idea after all. In fact, it's been around at least since God made that incredible promise to Abraham: "I will bless you ... and in your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed."

In the seed of Abraham - Jesus Christ Himself (Gal. 3:16) - we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. (Eph. 1:3)

Pass 'em on.