I know they do not acknowledge holidays, and don't do gifts. I was just wondering though, because my neighbor did a very kind thing for my family while my mother was ill, and I'd like to show my gratitude with a small gift, but do not want to offend. Anyone know the practices?
2007-01-29 09:19:03 · 11 answers · asked by irishpolskilove 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
JW's give and receive gifts all year around, because we don't celebrate holidays does not mean we are against enjoying each others company or the giving of gifts for whatever reason. In fact, I would say it is just the opposite, because we are not obligated to a certain day, gift giving, or any other kindness such as you describe, comes from the heart because we care about people, including those who do not share our beliefs (which is also a reason we go from door to door).
If you are moved to show your appreciation in that way, by all means do so, you will not offend. They may accept or they may choose to decline because they did not help with the expectation to receive anything in return ("you received free, give free"), but they will appreciate your gratitude.
One thing to note, as another comment above says, JW's do not offend easily, we know our beliefs are not mainstream and take much flack for it, but if your gift is religious in nature, such as a cross necklace, for example, they will probably decline but they won't be offended. While they can accept a gift, they will not if it violates their bible trained conscience such as religious paraphanelia, holiday items, etc. Just be discerning.
2007-01-29 11:05:56 · answer #1 · answered by OatesATM 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I'ma Witness & appreciate your gratitude! Thank you so much for being considerate. I truly hope one would ever think that we find questtions or acts offensive. Wwe do not take offense easliy as somebody said. We are always happy to talk & answer any questions. And to answer your question...yes I'm positive the person would be happy to receive your gift. We DO have fun & DO give/accept gifts. We just don't do it on holidays because of the origins of the holidays.
2007-01-31 01:10:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry, we accept gifts. By the way the best thing to do is ask them what they prefer. Also, while we are all individuals, we as a group do not offend easily. Read some of the answers MOST of the ones claiming to be Witnesses give.(Note, some who say they are something in this case Witnesses, on the net are not what they claim) We try to be polite, at the vary least. Thank you for being kind.
2007-01-30 02:34:37 · answer #3 · answered by Ish Var Lan Salinger 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
How nice of you to ask this question to be sure before you do it. I am a Jehovah's Witness and I assure you that it will be fine to do it. We also celebrate Wedding Anniversaries and have baby and wedding showers as God instituted the marriage. AND we, as parents and friends, often give gifts spontaneously to one another and our children just out of love or maybe because we just see something that we know the other person will like.
2007-01-29 21:40:10 · answer #4 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
just because we don't celebrate holidays does not mean that we don't ever except gifts. we love to get gifts just like anyone else does. I think that would be a nice thing to do to give your neighbor a gift. I am sure she would love it. we give gifts to our family and when we go to a wedding or bridal shower or baby shower we also give gifts to the one who is having the baby or getting married. fireball we do not get offended. we have feelings just like anyone else does
2007-01-29 20:58:29 · answer #5 · answered by lover of Jehovah and Jesus 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually, Jehovah's Witnesses are generally quite happy to "do gifts". Their only objection is to gift-giving in connection with some pagan celebration, such as birthday or the so-called "Christmas".
(Matthew 7:9-12) Indeed, who is the man among you whom his son asks for bread—he will not hand him a stone, will he? 10 Or, perhaps, he will ask for a fish—he will not hand him a serpent, will he? 11 Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him? 12 “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them
2007-01-29 21:49:00 · answer #6 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I think they consider setting aside a special day as a birthday or holiday as a form of worship... I think sending a card or gift should be fine
2007-01-29 17:32:14 · answer #7 · answered by whirlingmerc 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm sure a small gift would be greatly appreciated.
We do not observe holidays. However, we do give and receive gifts throughout the year without needing a reason.
2007-01-29 22:33:11 · answer #8 · answered by girlinks 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You can give them gifts and they'll accept them. They just don't celebrate certain holidays or birthdays, but they accept the gifts.
2007-01-29 17:24:18 · answer #9 · answered by Charles 1 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Just walk over and tell them thank you.
2007-01-29 17:25:16 · answer #10 · answered by JohnC 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋