The Heart Behind Intentional Gifting
Gifting has become second nature to us—birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries. We buy gifts because it’s what we’re supposed to do, but what if we shifted our perspective? What if, instead of giving just because an occasion calls for it, we gave gifts with intentionality?
Intentional gifting is about looking beyond the expected and searching for ways to bless someone’s life, whether they’re in a season of joy or a season of hardship. Maybe they’re a believer struggling with doubts. Maybe they’re facing a tough time in life and feel unseen. Or maybe God has simply placed them on your heart for reasons you don’t yet understand. Whatever the reason, an intentional gift can serve as a tangible reminder that they are loved, that they are seen, and that God is with them.
What Is Intentional Gifting?
Intentional gifting is more than just choosing a present—it’s about selecting something that speaks into someone’s life in a meaningful way. It’s a way of showing generosity, encouragement, and love in a form that someone can hold onto.
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” When we take the time to give with intention, not only do we bless others, but we find our own hearts refreshed in the process.
Think about it: How many times have you received a gift card or a generic item and thought, This is a sweet thought, but it didn’t really resonate with me? Now imagine receiving a gift that directly spoke to your heart—one that reminded you of God’s love, His promises, and the people who are walking this journey of faith alongside you.
Picture this: You’re going through a tough season, feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. Then, a friend gives you a beautifully designed journal with the words “Be still and know” (Psalm 46:10) on the cover. Inside, they’ve written a heartfelt note about how they’ve been praying for you and how this verse carried them through their own difficult times. Suddenly, this isn’t just a journal—it’s a reminder that you’re not alone, that God is guiding you, and that someone sees and cares about you.
That’s the power of intentional gifting. It’s not about how much you spend or how extravagant the gift is—it’s about the heart behind it. It’s about choosing something that will encourage, uplift, and strengthen someone’s faith.
So, as you think about the next gift you give, ask yourself: What could truly bless this person? What would remind them that they are seen, valued, and loved? When we give with this kind of purpose, our gifts become more than just objects—they become messages of love, faith, and encouragement that last far beyond the moment they are received.
Why Intentional Gifting Matters
We live in a world that often feels disconnected. People are struggling in ways we don’t always see. Church members feel unseen, co-workers are weighed down by burdens, and even close friends are fighting battles in silence. Receiving a physical gift unexpectedly is not a common occurrence, which is why intentional gifting carries such impact. When someone isn’t anticipating it, a thoughtfully chosen gift has the power to break through barriers, capture their attention, and make them truly reflect on the message behind it. Intentional gifting can break through that isolation and remind someone that they are noticed and valued—not just because of the gift itself, but because of the heart behind it.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.
The Bible encourages us in Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” A gift given with intentionality can be that encouragement someone needs to keep pressing forward. But more than the physical object, it’s the thought, the love, and the reminder of God’s very real presence in our lives that makes it meaningful.
But let’s be clear: it doesn’t take a gift to be intentional and show God’s love. Some of the most powerful acts of encouragement come in ways that cost nothing at all—a heartfelt conversation, a prayer spoken over someone, a simple message reminding them they’re seen and valued. Intentionality is what matters. If you have the means to give a physical gift, it can be a beautiful way to extend encouragement. But if you don’t, your words, your time, and your presence are just as powerful in witnessing who God is.
At the heart of it, intentional gifting isn’t about the gift—it’s about the intention. It’s about creating moments that remind people they are not alone, that they are deeply loved by God, and that they have a community cheering them on. Whether through a gift or a simple act of kindness, we all have the opportunity to reflect God’s love in a way that lasts far beyond the moment it’s received.
How to Give with Intention
If you want to practice intentionality with gifting, it starts with a heart posture of love and attentiveness. It’s about seeing people the way God sees them—valued, cherished, and in need of encouragement. Whether it’s a close friend, a co-worker, or even someone you don’t know well but feel led to bless, your thoughtfulness can make a lasting impact. A well-chosen gift isn’t just about the item itself—it’s a reminder that they are seen, loved, and supported in their faith journey.
If you’re wondering how to begin, here are some steps to help you practice intentional gifting in a meaningful way:
1. Recognizing Who Needs Encouragement
Before choosing a gift, take a moment to reflect and pray. Ask God to place someone on your heart. Who in your life might need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness? It could be:
- A friend going through a difficult season who needs reassurance.
- A new believer adjusting to their faith journey.
- Someone facing a life transition—starting a new job, moving, or navigating an unexpected challenge.
- A person who often serves and pours into others but may not receive much encouragement themselves.
- Someone who may feel overlooked—whether it’s a co-worker, a neighbor, or a fellow church member.
Intentional gifting starts with awareness—paying attention to the people around us and recognizing where a small act of kindness could speak volumes.
2. Choosing the Right Gift
The beauty of intentional gifting is that it doesn’t have to be extravagant; it just needs to be meaningful. When selecting a gift, think about what would genuinely encourage or inspire the recipient. Here are a few thoughtful ideas:
- A Personalized Journal: A beautiful way to encourage someone’s faith journey by giving them a space to reflect, pray, and write down what God is teaching them.
- Scripture Art or Cards: An acrylic wall art piece for their office or home with a Bible verse that will remind them of God’s promises daily.
- Faith-Based Apparel: A wearable testimony that reminds them of who they are in Christ, like a tote bag with a message about being rooted in faith
- A Handwritten Letter: Sometimes, the most meaningful gift is a few heartfelt words. Writing a personal note with encouragement and scripture can leave a lasting impact.
Colossians 3:16 reminds us, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” Your gift doesn’t need to be expensive—it just needs to reflect thoughtfulness and love.
3. Accompanying the Gift with Words of Encouragement
While the gift itself is meaningful, pairing it with words of encouragement makes it even more powerful. Take a moment to:
- Include a handwritten note with a scripture that speaks to their current season.
- Let them know you are praying for them and standing with them.
- Remind them of God’s love and faithfulness, reinforcing the message behind the gift.
A Final Thought
At its core, intentional gifting isn’t really about the gift—it’s about the transformative love behind it. A well-chosen gift can serve as a lasting reminder of God’s faithfulness, a source of strength during difficult seasons, or simply a tangible expression of care when someone needs it most. But whether or not a physical gift is involved, the most powerful thing we can offer is our intentionality—taking the time to see people, acknowledge their struggles, and encourage them in ways that resonate deeply.
It’s important to remember that intentionality isn’t tied to physical gifts alone. A heartfelt conversation, a handwritten note, a prayer spoken over someone—these, too, are gifts. If you have the means to give something tangible, let it be a reflection of your heart, a reminder of God’s love and promises. But if you don’t, know that you can still pour into others in ways that are just as meaningful.
In a world where so many feel unseen, a simple act of intentionality can make all the difference. Whether through a small gift, a kind word, or an act of service, every effort to uplift and encourage reflects God’s love in a powerful way.
So, who has God placed on your heart today? Who can you bless with an intentional act of love? Whatever form it takes, may your gift—whether physical or simply the gift of your presence—be a reminder that they are valued, loved, and never alone.
