UC, I don't have a scanner, but I can send you the article, or post the contents. If you want the text emailed to you, there are several people here who can vouch for me not changing the article to make it sound worse. PM me. I totally understand your skepticism though. I tend to read everything with a doubting eye now too.
Dont remember who asked, but the Q was :
In many parts of the world, it is customary to give wedding gifts. What Scriptural principles should we consider when giving or receiving such gifts?
The text I previously posted is one complete paragraph of the answer. First paragraph was about how the bible approved of gift-giving. The second was a description of what/how gift registries are--presumably for the benefit of countries where it is not the custom. Third paragraph is posted in entirety above in my 1st and second posts.
Fourth paragraph:
Certainly, givers should not be made to feel that in order for their gift to be acceptable, it must be purchased at a certain store or fall within a particular price range. After all, Jesus Christ indicated that what is most precious in God's sight is a giver's heart attitude, not the material value of the gift. (Luke 21:1-4) Similarly, regarding gifts of mercy to the needy, the apostle Paul wrote: "Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."-2 Corinthians 9:7.
They also addressed the "signing the card" thing:
Biblically speaking, there is nothing wrong with identifying oneself as the giver of a gift, perhaps by including a note with a present. However, in some places, it is the custom to identify the giver to all those present. This custom can lead to problems. Thos giving a present may want to remain anonymous in order to avoid attracting undue attention to themselves. Such individuals act according to the principle found at Matthew 6:3, where Jesus states: "But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing." Others may feel that gift-giving is a personal matter that should remain private between the giver and the recipient. Moreover, identifying the givers could lead to comparisons of gifts, "stirring up competition." (Galatians 5:26) Christians surely would want to avoid making anyone feel uncomfortable or embarrassed by publicly announcing the names of the givers.-1Peter 3:8
Yes, by acting in harmony with principles found in God's Word, gift-giving will remain a source of happiness.-Acts 20:35.
So there it is. Now that I reread this article, I am more disturbed by it. It seems that all the scriptures "supports" for this were in reference to acts of charity, mercy or contribution. None were really a reference to gift-giving to individuals in celebration. Isn't this yet another example of stretching the principles in the Bible to extend an umbrella over things that are really none of the WTS business? Do you think Jesus was going around giving principles to the attendees and gift-givers at the lavish wedding he attended in Cana?
Would this constitute an example of violating Paul's words at 1 Corinthians 4:6 "Do not go beyond what is written." Though this is really a trivial matter, the application of scriptures is indicative of the process used by the WTS to ensnare it's adherents in an ever tightening net of control.
Odrade