Dila mschvidobisa (დილა მშვიდობისა)born again! May the HOLY SPIRIT grant you to discern the friends of your destiny. Be one of those who spare themselves unnecessary fights and sterile discussions.
Proverbs 23 : 6 - 8 (KJ) “ Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words."
Although we do not attach the same importance, in general, we all enjoy receiving presents or touches. For some, they are marks of love, for others marks of reverence, gratitude or courtesy. In this area there are those seeking:
Originality : it has to be a discovery, something you don't expect.
Utility or functionality : it has to meet a need. But do not abuse. Do not ask us to equip your kitchen when you're squandering your fortune in clothes.
Quality : It has to last.
The value : it must be valued.
Attention: It must be personalized. Ideally your color and something new.
The message: I believe in you, I invest in your potential. I value your person, your work, your contribution, I thought of you. Bless be the LORD for your life.
The intention: To rejoice, to thank, to help, to sow, to honor you.
Depending on affinities, antecedents, relationships, and intentions, certain gifts (and therefore certain attentions), can be badly perceived, inappropriate, indecent, or dangerous. There are some, we must refuse or send back. Some are to be destroyed as quickly as possible, as soon as the HOLY SPIRIT asks us. Truly, we should always ask Him to confirm what we should give. How to offer it? What present to accept? And What to do with what we have received?
Give shoes to your nieces (or nephews) when GOD asks you to invite them to the restaurant seems wise but it is disobedience. Offering food to the homeless when GOD asks you to distribute Bibles seems charitable. But in reality, you are committing a sin. GOD the FATHER gave his only son, so that, we would all be saved and come to knowledge. He has already proven his love. Don't you think He knows better than you what they need now and tomorrow?
Whether it's a kitty, a home-made, a delivery package, and a hand-delivered, be benevolent and simple. What you offer doesn't make you important. The gift voucher is not necessarily the most expensive. Some people feel they deserve more or better, while others will look at the intention. Do not expect any bows or extended thanks. A sincere "thank you" and "GOD bless you", or any similar expressions, are worth flattery.
We have no trouble refusing gifts from an enemy or someone with whom we are in conflict. And it's rare that we accept gifts from strangers without first questioning the HOLY SPIRIT. By cons, we can easily fail to listen to the inner witness, when these gifts are offered or transmitted by people we love, respect, know, or rub shoulders (neighborhood, work, church service).
I have met in a professional environment, intelligent, eloquent, ordinary-looking people, extroverts who speak about their lives while offering you chocolates in which they have poured mystical substances. Despite our good intentions, just like those who give us gifts, there are times when we lack discernment. For example, buying a piece of jewelry or a work of art and then discovering that in reality, it is an occult object. Give a gift that was intended for you ignoring the bad intentions of the one who initially gave it. Ignore the HOLY SPIRIT alerts and consume food to which your body is allergic.
You don't have to accept all gifts. Do not eat the bread of one whose eyes are evil (Proverbs 23: 6), under the pretext of being in CHRIST. The malicious gaze will not always be apparent. Unfortunately, some people choose to serve the devil and to practice occult works to seduce, to enrich themselves, to have influence, supernatural powers. GOD gives you discernment, but this discernment will never equal his omniscience. The malicious gaze can hide behind a smile and inappropriate attention. It can be the spirit of fornication, corruption, adultery, jealousy in the person in front of you.
My intention is not to bring us to suspect evil in all or reject all the present. "Love does not suspect evil." (1 Corinthians 13: 5). Amen, but let's not be naive. "Everything is permitted, but all is not good." (1 Corinthians 10:23) Amen too. Do not suspect, do not presume, listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.
** Dila mschvidobisa (დილა მშვიდობისა) = Good morning in Georgian