17 Bible Verses about Reciprocity

But just as you excel in everything [else]; in your faith, in your speaking; in your knowledge [Note: Possibly these refer to spiritual gifts. See I Cor. 12:8-10], in your eagerness [to serve], and in your love for us, now you people should also excel in this favorable work [i.e., of giving financial help to needy people].

Therefore, everything that you would like people to do to you, do [these things] to them also. For this is [what is required by] the law of Moses and the prophets.

I was very happy when I learned that some of your children [i.e., members of the congregation] are living in [harmony with the] truth, just as we have been commanded to do by the Father.

but that there will be equality [i.e., in everyone's giving]. Your abundance can now supply their need, so that their abundance can [later] supply your need. [That way] there can be equality,

Loved ones, we should have love for one another, because love comes from [the very nature of] God, and every person who [continually] loves [others] has been [spiritually] conceived by God [See 2:29; 3:9], and knows [he is in fellowship with] God.

I am speaking to you as my [spiritual] children; open up [your hearts] to me in return.

For if you love [only] those who love you, what reward will you get for that? Do not even the publicans [Note: These were people with a bad reputation for their dishonest tax collecting activities] do that much?

Look, I am standing at [your] door and knocking; if anyone hears my voice [i.e., the sound of my knocking], and opens the door, I will [surely] come in to him and eat with him and he [will eat] with me.

Do not be deceived; God will not be fooled. Whatever a person does with his life, he will reap [the results of it].

I am the good shepherd and I know my sheep [intimately], and they know me [that way],

And now, Father, honor me in your presence with the honor I had with you before the world was [created].

I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in your hearts, and that your joy may be complete.

and be kind and compassionate toward one another, forgiving each other, just as God also forgave you [because of your fellowship] in Christ.

"Do not pass [condemning] judgment [on other people] so that you do not receive such judgment [on yourselves].

And whatever you would like people to do to you, do the same thing to them.

Some people have strayed away from these things and have turned aside to useless discussions.

Every person who practices a life of sin is also breaking [God's] law, for sin is law-breaking.