Give and You Will Receive

I was a church youth leader when I saw a friend of mine approaching someone else I knew for help. It’s not that it bothered me, but I wondered, “If we have known each other for so long, why didn’t he tell me he was having a problem? I could’ve helped him.” 

Certainly, I could have offered good advice, helped him with material things, or simply heard him out. I tucked it away in my mind and forgot about the situation. But as time passed, I’ve reflected and thought to myself, “What relationships have I kept that have endured the test of time?” 

Many of us struggle maintaining relationships. It certainly is difficult to put yourself in a vulnerable position to meet someone and invest time and energy in hopes that it will grow into a long, enriching friendship. Sadly, we often miss a very important aspect of relationships that results in us being on our own. What we forget is that we have to give in order to receive. 

It is an ancient concept that can be traced back to early wisdom literature. For example, you don’t have to embrace the Bible as an authoritative, religious text to find truth in this statement:

“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)

As I reflect back to that time, I have come to realize that I was not willing to give in a relationship. I was very protective of my time and often wanted to talk rather than listen to what they had to say. I’m not denying the fact that a relationship is a two-way lane. However, are we demanding more from the people around us than what we are willing to give?