THE IMPORTANCE OF GIFTS

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF GIFTS

Gifts are tokens of love, care, affection, appreciation, mutual respect, family relationships, cultural bonds, etc.

Briefly speaking, they help improve relationships.

The forms of gifts are uncountable. From cash to utility items or sweets and bouquets, many other types may be included.  

It is true to say: Giving gifts allows us to communicate our feelings in a tangible and meaningful way, strengthening bonds and fostering deeper connections with loved ones.

Gifts should always be given with the holiness of the heart’s affections.

To give a gift with the purpose of any selfish gain will be unholy. The manner of giving shows the character of the giver, more than the gift itself.

The ancient Greek lyric poet Pindar said: Every gift, though it  be small, is in reality great if given with affection.

According to the great British biologist Francis Maitland Balfour (10 Nov 1851-19 Jul 1882) : The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.

Balfour was a genius. He lost his life while attempting the ascent of Mont Blanc. According to his colleagues : “ He was one of the greatest biologists of his day and Charles Darwin’s successor.”

Finally, these words of the Swiss theologian John Caspar Lavater (1741-1801): A gift, its kind, its value, and appearance; the silence or the pomp that attends it; the style in which it reaches you, may decide the dignity or vulgarity of the giver.

A piece of advice: Never let your gift become a sort of bribery.

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G.R.Kanwal

2^nd March 2025