I had a conversation yesterday about things that really matter. As you might guess, the subject of love came up. We agreed that love is one of the most profound gifts we can give—and, remarkably, when we give it sincerely, it often returns to us in even greater measure.
So, when I read this quote by Kahlil Gibran today, it struck a chord:
“You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
We’re often taught to be charitable—offering clothes, food, and other material goods. These are undeniably valuable gifts. I think of clothing drives for those who have lost everything in fires, earthquakes, or floods. I think of food donations gathered for the homeless and the hungry. These are noble and compassionate acts.
Yet, when Christ said, “Go and sell all the things you have and follow me” (Mark 10:17–22, KJV), He was asking something far deeper than material generosity. He was calling for a life of self-giving—a life motivated by love and service.
This kind of giving doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it begins with something as simple as a phone call to a friend who is unwell, or a visit to someone in the hospital. It’s about showing up as your full, genuine self—extending a warm hand, offering a cheerful word, or just being present. It might mean volunteering for missionary work in your own community or in a distant land.
I think of it as giving of the heart—where soul meets soul, and we silently say: “I am here for you. You matter.” There’s nothing quite like this kind of gift. It transcends charity. It’s love in its most human and divine form.
I’m reminded of the words of great spiritual thinkers:
"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." — Mother Teresa
"Charity—giving to the poor—is an essential part of Christian morality... But it must not remain only an impulse; it must become a habit." — C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who... share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand." — Henri Nouwen
"True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere. It can begin with a simple word of kindness, a moment of patience, or a deed of forgiveness." — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, BYU Devotional, 2000
To summarize, I’m speaking of giving that is not mere assistance—but presence. It is, as one might say, “where soul meets soul.”
William Blake put it prophetically in a paraphrase from The Proverbs of Hell:
“In the eyes of a grateful recipient, the smallest act of service is magnified into a blessing that returns to the giver with greater grace.”
The opportunities to give in this way—heart to heart—are all around us. Let’s not miss them, or settle for lesser joys.
Appendix: Mark 10:17–22 (KJV)
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
…Jesus said unto him, Thou knowest the commandments…
And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
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