Both the Bible and the Tao set forth a principle that the more you give, the more you will receive.

In the Bible, this principle is generally discussed in a direct manner. The Tao gives the analogy that the good in us is similar to water in a well and the more we draw, the more new water will enter the well, while the failure to draw water from the well will cause the water to become stagnant.

The first question to ask yourself is if you feel this principle is true in your life. If you do not find this is so, there may not be much benefit to read further, but only to ask yourself why you do not feel this principle to be true in your life. Your answer to this question may be helpful to better understand why.

Personally, I feel that this principle is generally true. That being said, there are many pitfalls and traps that potentially come with this principle. There are people who will use this principle to their own advantage at your expense. They will try to make you feel bad for not helping them, without thinking about what they are asking or care about your feelings regarding their request. These people may be well intended and respected by you and others. However, just because another person thinks you should do something, does not mean that you should do it.

It is important to give in a way that makes sense to you so you will maximize the benefits of this principle. If you end up doing something that you don’t believe due to internal or external pressure, typically you will feel unhappy. This feeling of unhappiness may lead to bitterness. This is, of course, counter to the hoped for results from this principle. While you may not always know the right answer in this area, if you follow what you believe and feel is right, you will usually give to others in a way that makes sense to you, causing you to derive the maximum benefit from this principle.

Brynjar Peterson is an attorney who lives on Mercer Island.