A letter from Tracy: The Law of Reciprocity
We have come to the time of year when we give and get. Reading in Luke 6:38: “Give and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken together, and running over (with no space left for more). For with the standard of measurement you use (when you do good to others), it will be measured to you in return” (AMP). This verse is a principle of sowing and reaping. This verse has been tried and tested and always has a return. This verse is true no matter who uses it and applies it to their lives. We stand on this verse at CSM as a guiding principle in all our desires for true biblical partnerships in the gospel.
Give “it.” It is so cool to know that whatever God leads us to give, whatever it is, is what he wants to use as a provision for someone. IT is not just about money, as we want to use it in our culture today. It is an INTENTIONAL Transfer (IT) of blessings, gifts, time, talents, treasures, words of encouragement, and whatever the Lord has given you to transfer to another human being in your life path intentionally. The IT blessing is not to be held onto or held tightly but to be your open hand of blessing to another.
The measure to which we are to give (IT) is in your power to determine how much. This ability is still a part of the principle of reciprocity. We are to give (IT) in a measure that would fill the heart, soul, or mind of another person. The measure is to do what is in your power, ability, availability, and resources to give your desired limit. Make sure in your giving that you have been praying about this, and the guidance you get from the Holy Spirit is full of grace and love in its measurement.
The return is not why we give. We give because Christ blessed us. The return is the eternal blessing and will last into eternity. At CSM, the Lord has blessed us today with a full warehouse of blessings. In the next three weeks, we will have participated in over 100 community outreaches with the blessing of this warehouse. We hope to have given it in good measure and overflowing to advance the gospel—giving the gospel message of thanksgiving during Thanksgiving to over 7200 families. Our “Christmas in the City” will serve 30 locations and over 33,000 people this year. But the gifts of Christmas of our Lord Jesus to all the people in the message of the gospel to see lives change is the greatest gift of giving. Jesus gave his life, and we give our lives to Him and for him, and the work on earth is to keep giving (IT). The Law of Reciprocity worked out for us at CSM is to give IT (Intentional Transformation) in every relationship we encounter and with every Church that wants to advance the gospel.
Thank you for trusting us in partnership to build relational partnerships to see our communities THRIVE.
– Tracy
Previous letters from 2023: