As Pat Robertson stated in his book, The Secret Kingdom, Christ’s admonition to “give and it will be given to you” defines a remarkable spiritual principle. It can also be called the law of reciprocity, which is quite evident in the physical world: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Smile at another person, and he’ll probably smile back at you. Be critical of others, and they’ll respond in kind. As you give, you will receive. Give generously, and you’ll receive in like measure.

 

His concept is simple: What goes around comes around.  He states this biblically as, “What you sow you will reap,” as well as stating, that the law of reciprocity means reaping a sure harvest.”

 

As I was watching the fund-raising efforts in passing on the 700 Club, I was greatly disturbed with all the people testifying that they gave money to the 700 Club and the return was presented as a guarantee.  If I give my money or my efforts expecting a reward or a return, then I am giving or serving for the wrong reason.  Jesus explains in Mt. 6:2, “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”  In other words if you give for recognition or your own glory, you have it only in your opportunity to give, not the return.

 

The Bible says, “God loves a cheerful giver.”  But, if I give to get, am I a cheerful giver?  Most of us know that all we have is God’s and there is a command to give.  But, would we give if there were not a command?  Think about that!

 

Bro. Larry