Get What You Give

“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.” Luke 6:38 NLT

Last week, I had a conversation with my middle son. Another life lesson, after he had just complained about my youngest son’s lack of obedience to his older brother. He had told his little brother to stay inside and, like any normal six-year-old, my youngest refused to comply. Of course, I corrected my youngest; but, my older son was mean and practically barked out his order. So, it was an opportunity to speak to him too about giving out what he wanted in return.

As I was talking to my son, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “You can’t get what you don’t give.” Naturally, that was not only for my son; that was for me, too. How many of us have heard the phrase, “you have to give respect in order to get it.” Well, that holds true for everything. And, as a wife, I can tell you, I expect my husband to respect and love me always. But I can’t possibly expect to get what I’m not willing to give.

The scripture above is most commonly linked to money. But the principle works for all things. We all want to be loved, respected, honored, cherished, and appreciated. However, if there’s something you want, you need to give it first. Whether it’s money, respect, appreciation or love. We can’t expect others, especially those closest to us, to give us what we’re not willing to give them. My friend, whatever it may be, to the degree that you give will be the degree that you will receive.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this new day, new week, and a new start. I give You glory. Father, I honor You and I give You praise. Thank You for who You are, thank You for what You have done, thank You for what You are doing, and for what is yet to manifest in my life. I pray for wisdom and the ability to hear You clearly. Show me the areas in my life where I can give more, knowing that I will receive abundantly. Whether it is love, joy, respect, appreciation. And, show me who I should give to. I thank You in advance for the return, pressed down, shaken together, running over, and in great measure back into my life in Jesus’ name!

Weekly Wisdom Challenge: A wise woman knows her expectation is only in God. But she also knows that the only way to receive is to give first. The Bible says God loves a cheerful giver and when we give to others, God makes it return back to us. This week, look for opportunities to give in areas over and beyond money. Ask God to show you how you can give more love and respect to your husband or kids, more appreciation to co-workers, more grace to those who test your nerve. Watch God make it abound towards you! Let me know how it goes!