When You Give Something of Value

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 

1 Peter 3:9 

To bless others is the very calling of a Christian. As Peter writes, “Do not repay evil for evil or insult for insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”  

That’s part of the mystery and beauty of life in Jesus. When you give something of value in His name—a gift, an insight, a kind word, your time and help, a prayer, or a listening ear—it works its way back to your benefit. But rarely at the same time or in the same way! Filtered through God’s wisdom and providence, it returns to you as something incredibly encouraging and helpful at a moment when you least expect it. It may not even be in this life at all, but it will accrue to your benefit and delight in heaven.  

Friend, be assured of this: God is an incomparable bookkeeper, and He never loses track of one kindness done in the name of His Son.  

What a delight! Bless You, Father, for making this a principle of life: “Give, and it will be given to you… pressed down, shaken together… poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38). What a sweetness to think that gifts given here on earth have a triple impact—first on the receiver, then on the giver, and then on Jesus Himself!