Q’s from the Pews: What is the Gift of Self? January 11, 2025

The Gift of Self is a foundational concept in Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. It shapes Christian marriage, personal relationships, the Incarnation, and the very purpose of humanity. Its meaning begins “in the beginning.”

God shared His life with Adam, gifting him the Spirit unlike any other creature. Yet Adam was incomplete until God gave him Eve as an equal and helper. In their original state, “they were naked but not afraid,” living in freedom and mutual self-giving rather than objectification. JPII stresses; “they were free with the freedom of the gift.”

Marriage, as God designed, is a total Gift of Self between man and woman. St. Paul compares this ideal to Christ’s relationship with the Church—Christ as Bridegroom, giving Himself completely to protect His Bride.

God’s Gift of Self reaches its fullness in the Incarnation of Jesus. St Paul reminds us, that though Jesus was in the form of God he viewed this as a gift received from the Father. (Phil 2:6) Incarnation teaches that we should give ourselves freely and receive others as gifts. It calls us to offer ourselves as sincere Gifts of Self to each other and receive each other as gifts.

Questions? Contact Jim Gregory, Director of Religious Education, at dre@saintcolumbachurch.org