Relational Investments

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 31, 2018

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6

Wise individuals do not spend all their income, they have a process of first giving and saving, before they consume all their cash on themselves. Relationships are like money, we can spend all our efforts seeking what others can do for us or we can intentionally invest in their lives in ways that make them feel valued and appreciated. Investment in others brings them joy and the relational investor dividends of delights: encouragement, hope and reliable resources.

Paul describes the principle of sowing and reaping, though he applies this process to generosity with money the same can be said about relationships. An agrarian culture understood the correlation of prepared soil, sown in abundant quality seed, with ongoing careful cultivation, nurtured in a canopy of conducive weather conditions, produces the reaping of an abundant harvest. Generous reaping is the outcome of generous sowing. When love, patience, kindness and generosity are sown into a relationship there is a reciprocal harvest in abundant fruit of the Spirit.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

What if you approached relationships with an attitude of how you can give and not how you can get? Seek out someone who may be younger, but is hungry to grow as a person and follow hard after God’s heart. Schedule a monthly meeting to discuss their felt needs such as: discerning God’s will, overcoming fear or how to become a mature disciple of Christ. Also, bring to the discussion ideas you have related to wise money management, an effective prayer life and how to work with difficult people, to name a few. After your time, enjoy a meal together and discuss heart issues.

Relational investment in others flows best out of your relational investment with your heavenly Father. Prayer sown in humility reaps a heart of faith. Bible reading sown in surrender reaps a heart of obedience. Praise and worship sown in gratitude reaps a heart of hope. Dollar cost average time with Christ and over time your compounding interest in others will grow exponentially and your intimacy with the Almighty will grow a ten-fold return on investment (ROI). Relational investments are your greatest asset, so continue to prosper in true riches.

“In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19).

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