There is a story that serves as a reminder of the ‘art of giving back’.
It is a story of a man who was caught in the bushes and was so thirsty that dying seemed the best option. He struggled into a hut and inside he saw a rickety water machine with a jug half filled with water and a note which says – “thirsty, pour this jug of water into this machine and it will bring out more water”.

He stood for several minutes, contemplating if he should drink the jug of water, which will definitely quench his thirst. Or believe the note and pour the water into the rickety water machine. He chose to pour into the water machine and immediately, water began to gush out.

He drank to his full, refilled the jug and dropped a second note – “I tried it and it is real. The water machine does give more water but you have to risk pouring the half filled jug of water to receive it.

This story is typical of life and the daily choices we have to make!

Rich says…

Giving and receiving are two sides of the coin and both activities must go on to ensure continuous flow of resources and wealth on this earth.

The wisdom of life principally mandates us to be involved in giving if we are ever to receive anything.

Let’s take a look at the steps of giving back from the story above:

• The law of sowing and reaping: When in need, do not think of yourself alone. Find ways to help others in need and see it come back to you.
The adage “what you sow, you reap” is very true. Need love or happiness? Sow it into the lives of others and see great things happen in your life.

He/she that withholds always lacks:

This I found to be true in my life and marriage. A few years ago, I stepped out in faith to answer the call upon my life. What nobody told me was the level of selflessness required to run Keeping Marriage Alive Initiative.
After sometime, I just began to hold unto the little I had. I tried saving every penny, yet bills were piling up, till the Lord whispered to me; “give and it will be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together…” (Luke 6:38)

I learnt the art of giving back but also had to learn how to set limits on giving, especially creating balance in meeting the needs of my family.

The word of God is true:

This one is the greatest lesson of all for me! If you take God’s word and practice it, you will get results that you never dreamed of.
I remember when I prayed for a great marriage. The Lord told me – “I don’t give great things (marriages) for selfish reasons but for those who will make a promise to become a channel of that blessing unto others”. Years have gone by and this still holds true. God is interested in blessing His children abundantly only if they can think and live beyond their selfish needs.

Share your testimony:

Just like the man dropped a note confirming that the jug of water really provided more water; we should share what God is doing in our lives too.
Testimonies are so crucial in our Christian walk that in Revelations 12:11, it is said that “we overcame by the words of our testimony”.

Dear friends, are you weary of doing good? Please do not be. Do try the the art of giving and see your life transform far beyond what you dreamed of.

Love,
Ngee and Rich
(Dr. Richard and Ngozi Okonkwo)
Relationship Coach/Habit Instructors
Founders – Keeping Marriage Alive Initiative

“Will two people walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” Amos 3:3.