Whether we admit it or not, most of our giving and sharing has the condition of reciprocation. Luke 6:38 (New Living Translation) tells us “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
When we share our time, talent and resources, expecting nothing in return, it is labeled philanthropic or unconditional generosity. It generates joy, satisfaction, relief and so much more for those on the receiving end. The reciprocation for the giver, especially wealthy benefactors, is the satisfaction of knowing they have helped many people and/or resolved a problem. But how often do you purposefully practice unconditional generosity? You don’t have to be wealthy to do so. Opportunities, even small ones, are around us each and everyday and you can spot them by being attentive. There are people who have needs but out of fear of rejection or pride will not ask for help.
All of us have the ability to help someone else. God will show us how and what to say and do. Do you see your opportunities to give and share because it is the good or right thing to do? What are your life issues? Do you need the fruit of the Spirit, provision, healing or deliverance in your household? God is the one who will see to it that you receive, in full, pressed down, shaken together, making room for more, running over, poured into your lap. His abundant reciprocation will be what is essential for your life when you mindfully display generosity.
Matthew 25:44-45 (NLT) -- Then they will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?” And he will answer, “I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”
Christine Brooks Martin, author
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