by David Chadwick

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." Proverbs 11:24-25

Our verses from Proverbs today perfectly describe the spiritual law of reciprocity: whatever you give out, you get back.

Much like the physical law of gravity, this law is immutably woven into the universe. If you jump off a building, you will fall to the ground. Nothing in the universe, except God sovereignly intervening on your behalf, can keep this from happening.

This universal principle applies to money as well as other possessions (verse 24). When you practice generosity, you will experience generosity in return. None of us should give in order to get something in return, but inevitably, when you give generously just because you love Jesus, God will end up giving back to you.

But it also includes giving out time, talents, love, grace, mercy, and compassion. This truth can also apply to relationships. As my mom used to say, "If you want to have friends, be a friend!" It really is true. Whatever you give out relationally, monetarily, or emotionally will be returned to you as well.

In Luke 6:38, Jesus himself said to "give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

I love it when the principles of the Old Testament are reinforced by Jesus in the New Testament, showing us that all of Scripture is woven together to lead us and guide us in all truth.

Today, give this principle a try. Freely give a blessing to another person. Give a moment of hope. Then watch as your life becomes more enriched because of your obedience.