Word for Youth

The principle of reciprocity

Have a read of Acts 10:1-8. Up until this time the gospel had been preached exclusively to the Jews. But all that was about to change: ‘One afternoon at about three o’clock, Cornelius had a vision. He saw an angel from God coming to him and calling him by name…”God has heard your prayers and knows about your gifts to the poor. Now send some men to Joppa for a man named Simon Peter”’ (vv. 3-5 CEV). As a result of Cornelius’ prayers and generosity, he became the first Gentile to hear the gospel and be saved. What an amazing reward. God hears the kind words we speak to others when they’re hurting. He sees our sacrificial giving when we can least afford it. By doing what we’re doing, we’re paving the way for God to help us in ways we can’t begin to imagine. This doesn’t mean that God won’t help us if we don’t help others. God’s love is unconditional. And it doesn’t mean the only reason we should help others is because we’re going to benefit in some way. Our love should be unconditional too. But when we say no to an opportunity to give, we might be missing out on an opportunity to receive. The principle of reciprocity is simple: When you’re generous with others, God promises to be generous with you (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

What now?
Give up your free time today. Go and find someone who needs help in some way, and then do whatever you can to help them.