Re-gifting - what would Jesus do?

As Christmas quickly approaches us, I have a question - how many of us have made it clear to friends and family about what we would really like to receive? (Or what we wouldn’t like to receive?) Perhaps we don’t want anything at all, do those around you know that?

Many of us don’t make our needs and wants clear. It feels too bold or even rude and so we end up with gifts that we would rather not keep, and then we are left with a dilemma. Do we ask for the receipt? Do we resell? Or do we regift? 

Based on a recent study by The Works, after asking 2,000 people in the UK, it appears that 40% of us fall into the regifting category.

But what would Jesus do? That’s the million dollar question.

When we look at the New Testament it appears our Lord and Saviour doesn’t shy away from hard or uncomfortable conversations. When the Pharisees ask for a sign Jesus responds saying, ”A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign!” Matthew 12:39

Jesus makes the most of every opportunity to help us understand the bigger picture, the eternal perspective, even when it’s hard to hear. 

When Simon is vexed by the presence of the sinful woman, Jesus answers his thoughts to himself and highlights the heart of the woman in contrast to Simon’s - Luke 7:44-45 ”Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.”

The New Testament is full of Jesus speaking the truth in love John 7:14-18 being a personal favorite of mine, a classic mic drop moment when Jesus is in conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband.  The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

Jesus makes the most of every opportunity to help us understand the bigger picture, the eternal perspective, even when it’s hard to hear. Jesus chooses truth.

If Jesus were in a classic millennial situation receiving a gift he had no need for. I believe he would highlight his gratitude for the unwanted gift, knowing that it came from a place of love. I also think he would tell the gift giver very kindly what his preference would be.

Here’s an example … Jesus is given a beautiful vase to say thank you for healing their child. I imagine Jesus saying: “What an incredible vase , how stunning is the artistry, but what use is a vase to a man with no home? This vase deserves to be appreciated, please keep this vase in your home and may it remind you of God’s miraculous power and His love for you.”

I myself would prefer to know the truth instead of giving unwanted gifts so why not extend the same courtesy to others?

I mean how nice is that?

It’s a no thank you, but a loving no thank you full of wisdom, grace and appreciation.

PS I am writing this as a woman who constantly receives chocolates that I never eat. They’re something I offer to guests or regift not wanting to show up to dinner parties empty handed. Anyone who knows me is aware I don’t eat chocolate but it’s a kind gesture from those who don’t know me to come to my home with something sweet. I also get why chocolate seems like a safe bet.

I myself would prefer to know the truth instead of giving unwanted gifts so why not extend the same courtesy to others?

Being like Jesus isn’t meant to be easy or the norm. I think the 40% of us regifters can learn to embrace speaking the truth in love, and the 60% who no doubt have a box of gifts they’ve never once touched must learn to do the same. Nobody gets gifts right every time,  and that’s ok. Let’s talk about it. Show love and grace just as Jesus did.