What does it mean2?

[hoangkha]

Dear teachers!
What does this sentence mean?
- It' s not a given, it's a gift.
Best regards!

[Raymott]

Dear teachers!
What does this sentence mean?
- It' s not a given, it's a gift.
Best regards!

Could you tell us at least what "it" is, or why the hearer thinks it's a given, or ... well, you should know the drill about context by now.

[hoangkha]

Could you tell us at least what "it" is, or why the hearer thinks it's a given, or ... well, you should know the drill about context by now.

Thank Mr.Raymott!
It's not my question but it is on another forum and I find it odd.

[Rover_KE]

As your question is about It's not a given, it's a gift, that would have been a better thread title.

Rover

[Barb_D]

"A given" is something that is sure, certain, taken for granted.

Perhaps the meaning is "Don't take this for granted. You can't assume you would have it. It was a gift, not an obligation, and you shouldn't have had any expectation about receiving it."