Shortly after getting married, we sold most of our belongings and moved halfway across the ocean to an island in the Pacific. It was a big change from living in Michigan and we were looking forward to exploring the breathtaking island of Oahu, meeting the people who called it home, and learning more about the history and culture of that region. The tropical weather was an added bonus!

Finding a place to live was a challenge, but we found a tiny apartment and eagerly began hauling our suitcases in. Within minutes, we heard a knock on our door and a big “ALOHA.” A sweet neighbor named Nani came to welcome us with a portable air conditioner because she saw we were from the mainland and might be hot. A couple hours later she returned with food because she knew we didn’t have time to cook. The welcome felt over-the-top and we started thinking of ways to return the love.

A couple days later, I took Nani homemade cookies, and as she joyfully took the plate, she said, “hold on, I have something for you too,” and she grabbed a pineapple out of her fruit tray. I could see that was her family’s fruit, and I tried to tell her I didn’t need anything in return but she insisted. For the next few months, I failed to repay Nani for her initial kindness. EVERY SINGLE THING I gave her, she quickly produced something in return. I eventually learned this “mahalo gift” is a customary way of saying “thank you” on the island. Gift-giving is a very meaningful practice for many Hawaiians, and to show appreciation for receiving a gift, a small gift is given in return. 

Acclimating to the culture of constant giving and receiving, I too began to buy extra fruit or bake extra cookies so I was ready when a neighbor shared something with us. (For a lovely children’s book that shows the mahalo gift in action, check out Too Many Mangos by Tammy Paikai. (https://www.amazon.com/Too-Many-Mangos-Tammy-Paikai/dp/1597007587) The mahalo gift  practice, which at first felt overwhelming (how could we ever thank Nani adequately for the love she poured out to us?), quickly became a beautiful custom we fell in love with and connected us more deeply to neighbors that became friends, and eventually ohana (family). 

Even more important, the Hawaiian practice of the mahalo gift helped me see my relationship with Jesus in a new light. He too gave a gift much too large and valuable and I cannot repay Jesus for what He has done for me. Everytime I bring some small gift to lay at His feet, I find myself receiving more blessings, which leads to an endless cycle of joy, gratitude, and a closer relationship with my heavenly Father. Instead of being overwhelmed or burnt out by the gift-giving this season, here are some ideas to turn gift-giving occasions into kingdom-building practices. 

Practical ways to cultivate more meaningful gift-giving:

• Give like Jesus. Jesus focused on the spiritual first. When a woman came to draw water from a well, He offered eternal, living water (John 4:1-26). To a paralyzed man seeking healing, Jesus first forgave his sins then told the man to get up and walk (Matthew 9:2-8). To all who believe, Jesus offers us help, guidance, and a promise through the gift of His Spirit. We can follow Jesus’ example and give gifts that encourage a stronger faith.

“Peter replied, “‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” –Acts 2:38

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” –Luke 11:13

• Anticipate Needs. Nani knew before we did that we’d be hot coming from the climate-controlled houses on the mainland and gifted accordingly. Are you gifting a mother-to-be? What do you wish you would have had? What needs hasn’t she considered? Is there a family where a parent got laid-off? Can you graciously meet a need before they have to ask? 

“…for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” –Matthew 6:7-8

• Give from what you have. In a consumerism culture, we feel the need to go buy new gifts. Normalize giving what you have, food items, thrifted items, or sharing a talent you have. To my knowledge, Nani didn’t buy us any gifts, but her gifts always felt more meaningful because she was giving generously from the little she had. 

Jesus praised the poor widow in Mark 12:41–44 who gave a meager amount of money because she gave out of her poverty and gave all she had. The rich, who were giving out the wealth, were not commended by Jesus. We too can give meaningful gifts from what we have. 

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” –2 Corinthians 8:12

• Give to those who cannot give back. Gift-exchanges are the norm – give something, get something. Mix it up this year and find a way to give something to someone who can’t give back. Shop for a family in need. Make a warm meal for a homeless individual and pray with them before you leave. Take a shelter animal for a walk or take handmade cards to a nursing home. Jesus reminds us that giving to those who cannot give back is equivalent to giving to Jesus Himself!

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” –Matthew 25:40

• Remember time and service is a gift. When gift-giving becomes a chore, we look for the easiest way out, and that usually means a quick stop at the store or a click online. Instead of spending money on something that might not be valued, consider the gift of service. Can you spend an hour cooking for someone or cleaning their house? Maybe snow removal or simply some company? Do your kids have to practice an instrument? Why not put on a little show for a neighbor or someone who lives alone? Can you babysit for a young mother for a couple hours? When we give of ourselves, our time, our talents, and share our passions, it is more meaningful for both the giver and the receiver, and therefore a better imitation of our God who knows how to give good gifts. 

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” -1 Peter 4:10

• Look for opportunities to return the love when you are gifted. Instead of feeling the obligation to gift in return, plan ahead to have something small yet meaningful ready to give. If you are ready ahead of time, there is no stress to it. Maybe you find (or better yet make!) simple ornaments with a Bible verse on them. Or perhaps you have homemade cookie plates with a sweet note ready for friends and neighbors.  If you have artistic ability, you (or your children) could spend a morning making homemade cards. Again, try not to see it as a financial burden or a shopping burden but an opportunity to lay another small gift at Jesus’ feet by loving those that He so dearly loves. 

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” –Luke 6:38

Many of us have received earthly gifts that are over-the-top, but the gift Jesus gives us takes the cake. There is no way to begin to repay someone who gave their life to pay a debt that we couldn’t pay. We are filled with joy, peace, and love because of the hope we have through Jesus’ sacrifice. To be so deeply valued by the God who made the entire universe and His son who gave His life for us is the greatest gift of all, and one way we can share that hope and love is by using our lives and our gift-giving practices as small “mahalo gifts” to the One who gives all. 

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” –2 Corinthians 9:15

• Author
• Recent Posts

Kristin Arbuckle

Kristin Arbuckle is a writer, designer, photographer, and homeschooling mama. She and her husband, Andrew, studied at Bear Valley Bible Institute, served as missionaries in Hawaii, and worked with a church plant in Omaha before moving back to Michigan to be closer to family. Kristin enjoys art, traveling, and spending time in God’s beautiful world. She recently published her first book, Where Hope Grows Free.

Latest posts by Kristin Arbuckle (see all)

• Along the Way: A Mahalo Gift - December 25, 2024
• Along the Way: 10% Thankful - December 10, 2024
• Along the Way: Home Field Advantage - October 30, 2024