Giving is only one part of prosperity. To fully operate in the laws of financial prosperity, you also must receive.

We see this in the Apostle Paul’s response to the giving of the church at Philippi. Commending them for sending him financial gifts on more than once occasion, he clarified he was thankful not only because of what he had received, but what they would receive: “I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness” (Philippians 4:17).

Calling their gifts “a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God,” he shared his confidence that in return “this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (verses 18-19).

So we see that the spiritual law of prosperity contains both giving and receiving. As believers we need to exercise faith not only in seeking how much and where to sow, but also in receiving the harvest on the seeds we sow. Harvesting is vitally important because there are always more people that the Lord can empower us to bless when we are receiving the good things He has for us.

Yes, having enough to meet our own personal needs is certainly a blessing to be thankful for. But in God’s eyes this is not enough. True prosperity is having the ability to meet the needs of others—spirit, soul, body, financially and socially. When we meet the needs of people, our giving becomes praise to God.