Reciprocate

<<reply, give in return>>

Normally this is responding in the same fashion, mirroring what has been done to us. In a conflict unkind and hurtful accusations are often traded, blow for blow. The kindness shown by Rahab in sparing the lives of the spies was repaid to her in like manner when the Israelites attacked Jericho (Josh 2:12-14, 6:17,25). God says, “Those that honour Me, I will honour” (1 Sam 2:30; Zech 1:3;

Think before replying, so the response is correct

Mt 25:34,35). If you want to be a receiver of divine favour and blessing, honour God by praising Him, walking in His ways and obeying Him.

The golden rule is “Do to others what we would like them to do to us” although the motive should not be to receive back in return (Lk 6:27-36). Give and it will be given to you, in the same proportion as you give (Lk 6:38). The sowing and reaping principle says if we “Sow sparingly we will reap sparingly, but if we sow bountifully, we will reap bountifully” (2 Cor 9:6). A man reaps what he sows – either to his sinful nature and reaping destruction or else to what pleases the Spirit and reaping eternal life (Gal 6:7,8). It was only when Job prayed for others that his own situation was resolved (Job 42:10). This shows we should be other-focused, even when we have problems. “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need” (2 Cor 8:14). The world’s way is to buy and sell, the Kingdom of God’s way is to give and receive.

Instead of doing good to those who can repay the favour, bless those who are unable to give in return as is the case with aid given to developing countries and those in dire poverty (Lk 14:12-14). However, if we are the recipient of some ungodly words or actions, as Christ’s followers we should respond in the opposite spirit – with a blessing instead of a curse, good instead of evil (Gen 12:3; 1 Pet 3:9).