If we are not walking the walk, then we have no reason to expect others to believe our words.
The evidence is in the actions, love is an action word, based on selflessness.
Obligatory gifts and attention are not acceptable, God wants our hearts. The same is true of human relationships. No one wants a gift that is given out of obligation to satisfy the givers own need to feel good about themselves.
It matters why we give a gift and that it is from the heart, desiring to bless one for which we have appreciation.
Matthew 15:7-9 "…7 You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: 8‘ These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 9 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”…"
God despises gifts given to him to glorify self.
Mark 7:5-7 "…5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.” 6 Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 7 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’…"
It is best to learn honor and respect for others than to give a gift when there is no honor and respect. Gifts are only as good as the intent of the giver.
Let us remember too that gifts with strings attached are burdensome. When we give a gift we should never think of it again, whatever happens to it is the choice of the recipient. It is not love to make demands on what happens to the gift or how it should be used.
A gift given to others has no attachments or expectations associated with it, only that the one receiving it would be blessed.
This is why God said that He loves a cheerful giver! He wants us to give because we love without strings!
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