Overview of Give The Gift Of Yourself | Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen’s sermon/podcast episode “Give The Gift Of Yourself” emphasizes that the most valuable gift you can give others is your presence — time, attention, love, and personal engagement — not money or material things. Through personal stories, biblical examples, and practical encouragement, Joel challenges listeners to stop postponing meaningful visits and reconciliations so they won’t have regrets later.
Key points & main takeaways
- The greatest gift is yourself: your time, eye contact, voice, hugs, and undivided attention — these cannot be bought.
- Money and gifts are useful but often a substitute for the deeper gift of presence.
- Don’t put off visiting, forgiving, or thanking those who invested in you — life is fragile and unpredictable.
- Keeping the “accounts” full (expressing love and gratitude now) prevents future regret when a loved one is gone.
- Acts of presence honor those who helped you rise and are an expression of loyalty and gratitude.
- Faith application: living generous of spirit and keeping relationships current aligns with Christian love and stewardship.
Notable stories & illustrations
- Funny opener: a minister trains his horse to respond to “praise the Lord” (go) and “hallelujah” (stop) — used as light-hearted intro.
- Annual trips to Paris, Texas: Joel’s father drove to visit an elderly couple each year; their joy at the visits modeled the impact of giving your presence.
- The stroke victim: Joel delayed visiting an older friend after a stroke; finally visiting years later produced deep emotional gratitude and underscored why visits matter.
- Sam Martin and John (Joel’s father): Sam’s persistent influence led Joel’s father to Christ; later, Joel’s father repaid that kindness by bringing Sam onto his staff in his elderly years.
- Biblical example: King David honors Jonathan’s son (who was crippled and in poverty) by bringing him into the palace and feeding him at his table — an example of repaying those who helped you.
- Personal final-hours story: Joel stayed with his father during a dialysis session; later that day his father died — Joel left with no regrets because he’d kept the accounts full.
- Obituary habit: Joel reads obits daily to remember life’s fragility and prompt immediate acts of love.
Practical actions & recommendations
- Visit someone this week you’ve been meaning to see — don’t wait for the “right time.”
- Make calls, but prioritize face-to-face visits or at least voice conversations over text/social media.
- Reach back to mentors, family members, and those who invested in you — show gratitude in person where possible.
- Repair broken relationships now; don’t let pride or delay cost you the chance for reconciliation.
- Keep a posture of intentional presence: schedule regular visits, calls, or meals with loved ones.
- Ask: If someone you love were gone tomorrow, would you be satisfied they knew how you felt? Act accordingly.
Notable quotes
- “The greatest gift you can give is not necessarily your money... The greatest gift is your time, your attention, your love, your concern.”
- “When you give the gift of yourself, you’re saying: you’re extremely important to me.”
- “Keep the accounts full.”
- “Live every day like it could be your loved one’s last.”
Resources & offers mentioned
- Spiritual resources Joel offers:
- Double for Your Trouble (31-day spiral-bound devotional)
- God's Got You Restoration Duo
- Double Portion Restoration Bible Collection (includes CSB Thinline Bible)
- Request at joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL
- Invitation to make Jesus Lord: a short prayer of repentance and invitation is offered near the close for listeners who want to commit.
Audience & call to action
- Primary audience: Christians and general listeners seeking encouragement to prioritize relationships.
- Call to action: Visit, call, forgive, or otherwise give the gift of your presence to someone who needs it — do it now rather than later.
Sponsors (brief)
- Episode includes commercial spots for Thumbtack, DSW, Monday.com, ASU Online, Angie, and Opportunity at Work / Ad Council.
Closing summary: Joel’s core message is simple but urgent — invest your presence in the people who mattered to you and helped you grow. Doing so brings deep satisfaction, prevents future regret, and honors both God and others.