DIVINE RECIPROCITY

All that you are, all that you possess, and all that you do must not be held tightly to your bosom. True followers of Christ live with an 'open hand', willing to surrender all for the sake of the Gospel. 

Putting the well-being of others before our own self-interest runs contrary to the 'old man', sinful nature. God's 'Divine Reciprocity' turns everything on its head ... 

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it, and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. (Luke 17:33)

By 'sowing' grace, kindness, and forgiveness ... we 'reap' grace, kindness, and forgiveness.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:37-38)

You cannot do this in your own strength. To guard against being prideful in the effort, we learn to rely on the sufficiency of Christ for all things spiritual. We become a vessel in His hand, a conduit through which He imparts God's love ...

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

The Holy Spirit equips you to serve. The eternal impact you have on this lost and dying world begins and ends with the Lord ...

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

To experience the fullness of His presence ... loosen your grip on this life. 

The world is not your home, pilgrim.