What determines the worth of a gift? How does that apply to salvation?

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What is a gift worth? This question would be simplistically answered by an appraisal. However, is that truly all? Why should anyone exchange gifts if this were the case? If two individuals give each other $20 then why not just keep their own money? Thus, gift-giving does not make sense if love is not present. In this way, love that does not suffer is no love at all! If money is the only thing exchanged or even goods and services, then there is no charity involved. However, a relationship must be invested in. One cannot have a relationship with God without prayer.[1] Likewise, if one does not invest time and resources into a relationship, it is classified as utilitarian, because the relationship's end is only mutual-benefit. Investment and vulnerability are fundamental to authentic friendship. In every act, there is motive/intent, means, and circumstances (ideally a part of motive).[2] In the context of gift-giving, there is the gift (costliness/work required to attain and bestow [means]) and the manner (what it takes to acquire such a gift)/context (motive, consequences) of the giving-receiving. The gift of Salvation "follows suit".

First, if one only receives a gift because of its grandeur without reference to the motive or context, then one's relationship is being bought. In such a case, none are treated with dignity, but utility e.g. "gold-digging" or fake flattery. This transaction is indirect egotism. By giving a great gift to someone you are trying to win over, one implies, "I only want to give you something if I can gain from it". Salvation is an eternal gift bought at great cost (the destruction of the Greatest Gift, Christ), but not so God can gain from it (God doesn't need us).

Second, without context, the gift doesn't make sense e.g. a pencil for a flat tire or a pitchfork to a biker. Without context, a gift, may not be appropriate e.g. ring on a first date. With only intent considered, a recipient cannot express gratitude. Creation was/is a gift of sheer love.[3] Salvation (Jesus Christ) gave Himself in the context of our desperate need only for love in great sacrifice.[4] This gift is found to be even greater in the context of our sin (offense against the Giver of all things to all) which God used as a means to carry out His sacrifice(Romans 5:8).[5] 

Third, a gift must be given in a loving manner because a gift is only a gift in the measure it is given and received. During the Christmas season, we give and receive a lot. If one were to buy someone they love a car out of pure generosity, but simply leave it in their driveway and don't let them the motive behind it, the recipient will assume it was someone else and/or won't value it. In terms of the gift of salvation, Further, we must accept His mercy and His leadership. We cannot be saved by just using His generosity nor can we be saved without obeying Him. Thus, faith through grace is intimately united to works, otherwise, either work has no context or faith is dead (James 2:24).[6] (if you disagree with the end of this paragraph see footnote 6 to better understand this Catholic teaching)


In conclusion, to receive a gift or a loving act (an act aimed at the good of another for their sake) well, one must understand the gift/act's motive, context, and means. Gift-giving already has a means of acquiring and bestowing something. However, motive and context, which remain, are essential to growing in love, while proving that one wills the good of another without self-reference and uses knowledge of them for their good and not against them. There is no greater gift given to us now than life, and if we receive the gift of the present well, we can further receive eternal life. In the Christmas and Easter seasons, the Church reflects on the greatest gifts it is given to bestow on those who seek it, salvation. 

FN:
  1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2558.
  2. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1750.
  3. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1.
  4. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1949.
  5. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1741.
  6. Catechism of the Catholic Church, cf. 1987-2029.
I am a Theology major attending Holy Apostles College and Seminary. I am a Knight of Columbus and a Newman Ambassador for Pius XII Newman Center.

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