The Principle Of Reciprocity

by Pastor Mark
October 02, 2026

Understanding the true principle of reciprocity

This is a vital principle for us to understand and practise. David gave a personal testimony about his experience of this principle. What is this principle of reciprocity? It means that what we do to others will be done to us. A positive action is reciprocated with another positive action and the same applies to negative actions. This principle of reciprocity is meant to encourage righteousness. Let us be challenged to live righteously.

The challenge to be righteous

David sought to describe this principle of reciprocity.

1. Regarding the merciful (Psalm 18:25)

To those who are merciful, God will show Himself to be merciful.

2. Regarding the blameless (Psalm 18:25)

To those who are blameless, God will show Himself to be blameless in character and in fulfilling His promises.

3. Regarding the pure (Psalm 18:26)

To those who are pure both internally and externally, God will show Himself to be pure and holy…as revealed in His works.

4. Regarding the humble (Psalm 18:27)

To those who are humble, God will bless them with His salvation.

To guard against being unrighteous

1. Regarding the devious (Psalm 18:26)

To those who are devious, they think they can outsmart the Lord. But He will show His shrewdness…in dealing with them.

2. Regarding the proud (Psalm 18:27)

To those who are proud and haughty, the Lord will humble them and bring them down.

The law of reciprocity challenges us to cultivate good character in our lives…to have true righteousness. In turn, God will bless us accordingly. 

The personal testimony of David in applying the principle of reciprocity

1. David’s practice of righteousness

  1. He kept the ways of the Lord (Psalm 18:21).
  2. He did not depart from the Lord…in a wicked way (Psalm 18:21).
  3. David kept all of God’s judgments (Psalm 18:22).
  4. He kept the statutes of the Lord close in his heart (Psalm 18:22).
  5. He sought to be blameless before God (Psalm 18:23).
  6. He kept himself from iniquity (Psalm 18:23).

2. The reward/recompense of the Lord

“The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.” (Psalm 18:20)

David considered how God would reward him. God rewarded him according to his righteousness and recompensed him according to the cleanness of his hands. When David was in distress, he cried out to the Lord and the Lord mercifully heard his cry (Psalm 18:6). God delivered him from his strong enemy (Psalm 18:17). The Lord was his strong support and brought him to a broad place (Psalm 18:19). God delivered him because He delighted in him (Psalm 18:19). David testified to the truth of this principle of reciprocity. As such, let us be challenged to practise righteousness and to walk in all

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