When Did You Give Your Last Gift?

By Gary Chapman

As a student of Anthropology, I have studied the advanced cultures of the Mayans, Aztecs, Melanesia, Japanese, and Eskimos. I discovered that in every culture gift giving was a part of the love-marriage process.

The attitude of love is always accompanied with the concept of giving. Gifts are visual symbols of love. From early years, children are inclined to give gifts to their parents. What mother has not received a dandelion from a child? So, let me ask you a personal question. When is the last time you gave a gift to someone you love? 

Most wedding ceremonies include the giving and receiving of rings. Many ministers say, "These rings are outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual bond that unites your two hearts in love that has no end." That is verbalizing a significant truth - symbols have emotional value. I remember in my own marriage when we were going through times of deep struggle, the ring on my finger was the silent reminder that I had made a covenant.

Today, I wear it proudly as a symbol of our unending love. It also reminds me that God never stops loving us. He is our model for loving each other. 

For some people, the loudest expression of love is a gift. It is their "Love Language."

Gifts come in all sizes, colors, and shapes. Some are expensive, and others are free. To the individual whose primary love language is receiving gifts, the cost of the gift will matter little.