(Proverbs 18:16) A gift opens the way.

Our salvation is a gift from God; it cannot be earned.

The characteristic of “giving” is at the center of the nature and being of God. This is why I believe the "act of giving" to others is an expression of the essence of God.

Biblical culture was steeped in "gift giving." One example we all know is that the wise men gave gifts to the new born Jesus.

My wife is the most giving person I know. One way she expresses her heart dedicated to Jesus Christ is by giving people gifts, often wrapped gifts. If we go to someone’s house, she brings a gift for our host. It doesn't need to be an expensive, maybe some flowers or something she cooked. If someone is coming to be a guest at our home, she leaves a gift in their room. We could call that a "welcome gift."

Proverbs 18:16 tells us, “Everyone is a friend of one who gives gifts.” When we give a gift to others, we are blessing them and demonstrating their value and importance in our lives.

Giving a simple gift is a heart expression of friendship.

Giving a simply gift is a heart expression of honor.

Giving a gift is an extension of the gift of grace that we freely received in Jesus Christ's love.

We live today in a self-centered culture. We often think about ourselves before other people. Today it is actually seems more natural to buy gifts for ourselves rather than others.

I encourage you to become a “gift giver,” practicing your friendship toward others.

I encourage you to look for opportunities to bless others with a gift.

As this Proverbs emphasizes, a simple gift opens the heart of another person.