The Law of Reciprocity
by Amira
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkyGOAWoYxA]
The Law of Reciprocity means: to give and take mutually; to return in kind or even in another kind or
degree. You may have heard the Law of Reciprocity expressed as: “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine.” The law of reciprocity, (which
applies in EVERY culture on the face of the earth), simply explains that when someone gives you something you feel an obligation to give back.
Giving and receiving favors is a common exchange and is an implicit assumption in most of our relationships. When someone does something for you, they implicitly expect that when the circumstance is right, you will do something of approximately equal value for them. The expectation may never be discussed openly but nonetheless it exists and affects negotiations and relationships.
All parties must benefit from the relationship and invest in the relationship and acts must be mutually rewarding otherwise it creates an
imbalance in reciprocity. When someone is the primary giver, they often expect they will receive in kind from the receiver or eventually from someone else in the world at another time.
Possibly the earliest version of the Golden Rule is translated from The Tale of the Eloquent Peasant (1970 BC) and states:
“Do for one who may do for you, that you may cause him thus to do”.
Similarly, the Golden Rule says: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” “You reap what you sow.”
By doing for others you make favorable impressions on them and relationships
blossom as you extend courtesy, kindness, honesty, respect, and other favors.
Even if favors are small, they accumulate over time as you build trust and
create a history of what to expect from each other. People evaluate your
actions and motives through giving and receiving.
Reciprocity is a basis of trust and a basis for legitimate power. The principle
is that others will reciprocate in kind based upon the way you treat them. The
world gives you what you give to the world.
The Bible reminds us that: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and whoever sows
generously will also reap generously…. And God is able to make all grace abound
to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will
abound in every good work.”
Salespeople, copywriters, and all types of “marketers” use this
immutable natural law to their advantage to make more sales. That’s why people
in these professions give you free samples. That’s whydoor-to-door vacuum cleaner salespeople offer to clean your house for free.
That’s why charities give out free gifts.
Others understand this law on a faith-based level. They were taught and believe that you should “plant a seed.” Their faith has taught them that giving is somehow a key to carrying out Gods instructions to them. When we give because of faith, we do receive more!
We don’t have to understand it, for it to work. That’s why it’s called faith.
Reciprocity can be both positive and negative and if you harm others, they mayseek revenge or retribution. People want to make things even in relationships, doing good for those who have treated them well. They may even want to do harm to those who have harmed them.
You might ask yourself: How does it apply to me? How should I respond?
In the Divine system, we are created as a channel to serve others. Setting resources in motion, sets spiritual forces in action for you receive your
actions. Practice doing good deeds when opportunities present themselves especially to those who believe and understand this Universal principle.
Tithing, an age-old concept endorsed by every major religion in the world, is an example of the “Law of Reciprocity” in action. To tithe is to give
back ten percent of your gross earnings to your spiritual source, whether that
is the church, temple, ashram or mosque you attend … it’s where you get your spiritual nutrition and sustenance.
Only giving creates human dignity.
Only giving opens up the soul.
Only giving can miraculously change a life.
Only giving works at soul level and radiates outward to every area of your experience.
Only givers get.
Only givers live a truly fulfilled, powerful, positive, happy and deeply
meaningful life.
Most of us believe to an extent that when we give, we somehow create “good vibes,” “good karma,” or that we will get something back because we give. We don’t all fully understand how it works however on a psychological level some of us do understand the immutable law of reciprocity.
Reciprocity isn’t always instantaneous, therefore persistence is vital. Even if you’ve found yourself saying “I’ve tried that and it doesn’t work”, don’t give up! At them proper time we will reap a harvest. By understanding and using the power of reciprocity, you can improve your relationships and avoid mistakes that can permanently damage your relationships. In life and work, you get what you give.
Start with a smile. It will come back to you! Give ideas! Give money! Give support! Give resources! Repay, in kind, what another person has
provided you.
