Word for the day "Sowing and Reaping"

Galatians 6:7 (KJV) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

The spiritual law of reciprocity is the cornerstone of the quality of our lives.

The Law of Reciprocity, also known as the Law of Sowing and Reaping, allows us to receive as a result of what we give or do.

Scripture makes it clear we might receive the same thing we give, such as mercy (Matthew 5:7). On the other hand, we might not receive in kind, such as receiving what we need from God in exchange for making our heart the Lord’s treasure (Matthew 6:19). Believe it or not, most times we receive to the same degree we give.

For example, if we sow more seed, we get a larger harvest (2 Co 9:6); or we’ll receive from others in proportion to our generosity extended (Lk 6:38).

As a matter of fact, the understanding of the Law of Reciprocity today seems to always lead to talk about money; how we receive in proportion to our giving or generosity.

We all at times can struggle with this traditional approach to giving: If I give, then I’ll get. It must be said; however, such thoughts are the result of self-centered thinking, trying to use God’s laws and principles for personal gain.

I sincerely believe the law will still work if we’re motivated by selfishness, yet we may not be pleasing to the Lord with this short-sighted intent and motive probably would not add to what we receive.

Here’s the joy of this law: If we give or serve selflessly, simply trusting God to take care of us as He purposed is appropriate, then the Lord is not limited to increase what the Law of Reciprocity would normally return to us.

That is, if we prove ourselves faithful by using whatever resources we have to serve in a manner that honors God, the Lord can entrust us with more and will increase our return (Luke 6:38).

When we give as unto the Lord, we set in motion spiritual forces and will experience the outcomes.

We also deceive ourselves when we think we will not reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). As people of God, we sometimes think we are exempt from this principle, but we are not.

Even though our sins are forgiven, we will have to live with the results and consequences of our thoughts, words, and actions whether good or bad.

Reciprocity is not something that can be exact, of course, because what one person can do, another person cannot. Reciprocity and cooperation are so valuable precisely because we all do have various strengths and weaknesses.

The fact that we reap what we sow is good news for those who choose to sow good practices.

But a frightening thought for those currently involved in ungodly activities such as bad-mouthing people, drug and alcohol abuse, neglect of family, or abuse of others in order to gain some measure of personal success.

The Scriptures are full of warnings about self-deception. (James 1:26) reminds us that we deceive ourselves when we think we are religious but do not bridle our tongue.

There is nothing that grieves God more than when we bad-mouth people instead of building them up with our speech.

We are never to use our tongues to put others down. Instead, we are to edify one another in what we say and thereby give grace to those who hear us.

If your tongue is out of control, you are really fooling yourself to believe that you have your spiritual life together.

Point to ponder

Your life may be measured by what you reap, but it is determined by what you sow. For example, if you want a friend, be a friend.

What you get out of life is what you put into it.  Selfishness and greed are inappropriate so they will limit the results we receive.

On the other hand, as we develop godly character and learn to serve God and people in humility, the Lord is released to bless us with far more than we need to advance in every good work and increase our resources so we can be generous on every occasion

Prayer:

Dear Lord, guard us against the self-deception of thinking, You will always cover for us or pull us out of the jams we get ourselves into. Help us learn to sow what we hope to reap, in Christ name Amen!!

Special thanks!

Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of May 2019 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Mother Betty Denson, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Mrs. Denise Johnson,  Mr. and Mrs. Carl and Marguerite Williams, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Evonne Bazemore, Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Itholear Abbott, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.

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