Law of Reciprocity
Dear Brother, recently I watched a TV show from a christian broadcasting network, they were asking for donations to continue with their international ministry.During the program they showed multiple testimonies of people who had donated them money ( even when they were in very difficult economic circumstances like bankrupcy, unempoyment, etc.) and they had received in different ways their money back ( an unexpected check in the mail , some finantial help or that their bussinesses had grew, etc) . The people from the show said that that was "the law of reciprocity" meaning that whatever you give to God you will receive back and live in abundance.
I was very surprised by the concept since they seem to refer only to money and finantial gain and seldom mentioned other types of blessings. Since then, I have seen the use of the same reasoning when fundraising over and over again.
Even my husband thinks is ok since they quote scriptures like Mathew 25:29 and others to justify their belief and was thinking about donating money. They even mentioned that since you gave a donation to the work of God, God needed to keep his word and bless you with abundance (again in the material sence).
I am confused, I think there is something wrong in the picture they are portraing but I don't know what. Please tell me what is the view of the Church regarding this "law" and if what they are doing is right or wrong.
I appreciate your time
QUESTION from Gabbie on May 18, 2004
Thank you,
Gabbie
ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on May 23, 2004
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Dear Gabbie: The Bible clearly teaches something that could be called a "Law of Increasing Returns" :) which is probably a little more accurate than a Law of Reciprocity (which implies an inappropriate and rather mercenary quid pro quo. The Bible teaches that when we give to God, He will return three fold. This, however, is not limited to financial issues, but about anything we give to God -- time, money, talent, charitable work, etc. Also, what God gives back threefold does not have to be the same that you gave. For example, if I give $50 it does not mean God will give me $150 back. God, rather, may give me a three-fold blessing to better live the Christ-life -- which is far more valuable than the $150. If God does inspire a person to donate even then they are unemployed or the like, then one should do it. We know God promises to take care of us. This should be done only if one is sure that God is calling them to do that. If God is not making this call, then to donate when there is not enough money to put food on the table could be an act of irresponsible mismanagement of the resources God has given. The Bottomline is to listen to our Blessed Mother when she said, "Go ask Jesus, and do what he tells you." Using the three-fold principle as a marketing gimmick is rather tacky and manipulative and perhaps even sinful. To discuss that God blesses a cheerful giver, on the hand, is perfectly okay and Biblical.
God Bless, |