We’ve all received gifts given by other people that were either not what we expected, not what we wanted, or (at the very worst) things we decidedly did not want. Such experiences turn what could and should be a moment of great joy and closeness into a moment of difficulty, social etiquette, ethical conundrums, and relational crisis. The overwhelming consensus of advice in these situations is to smile, say, “Thank you,” and remind yourself that it’s the thought that counts. It’s a horrible thing to be honest in such moments and reward generosity with punishment. After all, you can just regift it to someone else later, right? But is this the best response in terms of Christian ethics? Is this the best response in terms of relational development? Is it possible, in fact, that someone who responds this way is actually doing something immoral and lazy compared with the best alternative?
Bible References: Prov 21:14, Eccl 3:12-13, Eccl 5:18-20, Matt 5:21-24, Matt 5:40-42, Matt 6:11, Matt 7:6-12, Matt 10:8, Matt 19:21, Luke 6:30-36, Acts 2:38, Acts 20:35, 1 Cor 12, Rom 5:15-18, Eph 2:8-9, James 1:17, Rev 11:10
Articles by Andrew:
Bad Christmas gifts part 1, Not giving them
Bad Christmas gifts part 2, What to do when you get them
Links:
Parent Alert: Video Games To Avoid by ABC News
What To Do WIth Bad Gifts by Blackamericaweb.com
Top Ten Worst Gifts From Last Christmas by 1stholistic.com
Anatomy of a Bad Gift-Giver by 1stholistic.com
Bye-Bye, Bad Gifts by USA Weekend
Humor: Things To Say About Bad Gifts by Zozanga.com
The Gift That Keeps On Being Given by Orlando Sentinel
Marketing, Convenience Drive Gift Card Growth by USA Today
Regifting by Wikipedia
Regifting 101 by Regiftable.com
The Regifting Debate by CBS News
12 Rules For Regifting Without Fear by MSN.com
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