Equity

 

While at the celebration service of Miss Myrna Smith this past Sunday afternoon, I heard many sweet stories and stirring challenges, but I was intrigued by a one-word concept that her granddaughter, Tait, used.  She used the word “equity”.  When someone pays their house payment, a portion goes to interest (money paid monthly to the bank for making the loan) and a portion goes to principal (the actual amount that was borrowed).  And over time, the increasing principle that is paid (and accumulating value) is called equity.  The same is true in relationships.  We should invest time, kindness, and effort into giving to others before we ask others for favors.  Dr. Gary Chapman calls it a love tank.  When we are kind to others (our emotional equity) they will be kind to us.  When we are loving toward others, they will be loving toward us.  But we must contribute to this emotional equity (their love tank) before we can make a withdrawal.  Jesus explained it this way in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”  The more you give to others, the more that they will be inclined to give to you.  The tighter you are with your good deeds, the harder it will be when you ask for help the next time that you move to a new apartment.  Especially if you have a piano.  Think about it and be kind today.