Are you the type of person who loves to give? Do you relish at the thought of lavishing someone with some unexpected gift or gesture which shows love with no thought for what, when, how, or even if it will come back to you? Can it be a stranger that you give to? What about someone who you know won't be giving you a gift in return? What if no one but God knows or sees what you gave? Those who answer no to any or all of these questions may just be manipulators masquerading as a givers.
Gifts are free; they should always be given with an open heart, minus any strings. Too many give gifts with secret thoughts of what they will one day receive in return. These are the people who will give to you (things, opportunities, kindness, etc.) only to hold you hostage with their expectation of what is to come in the future (usually the near future). These are the “you owe me one” people who are always looking for a “favor” to be returned somewhere down the road. My question has always been: If you keep track of what you give and have expectations after you have given it, can it really be considered a gift?
Some pretend to give, when they are really just experts in the art of manipulation. A true gift comes with no strings or expectations and it doesn’t wonder what it will one day receive in return…oh how I wish there were more true gift givers in the world!
