Theory of Reciprocity

Humour me for a minute.

I've been walking down a track of thought concerning these these three elements: refugees, dignity and ministry. (I'm happy to be part of an org. that doesn't think they are mutually exclusive!) There are a few influences here - discussions at work and the need to sumit a thesis for credit work.

The deeper I consider these links on a procedural rather than propositional level, the more evident it appears that there is a natural law wrapped up in ministry. That is, ministry comes or evolves to entirety when we allow the effect of what we offer (as opposed to affect of what we give) to reflect back on us. I feel the need to explore on a deeper level the whole idea of ministry as an exchange. (BTW way, there must be a better noun than ministry to define this)

I am definitely not talking about prosperity doctrine, or the tickling of selfish desires here. Consider the following real example that I have experienced countless times.

A refugee invites you to come and speak with them, be with them - to be present without any goal or aim other than to be together. During the 'exchange' it becomes evident that they are serving you food that will mean they they will go without later on, without you knowing, due to their poverty. Our natural instinct as followers of Jesus is to spare them this hardship by politely refusing their offer of exchange. We figure that we are doing them a favour.

Most missionary training (that is worthwhile) will communicate that in such circumstances, the right thing to do is to accept the exchange because culturally it is impolite.

Why?
Is that a cultural point?
Or with more thought, is their maybe a universal at work here?

Just maybe when we limit our ministry to only be being the givers and 'they' being the receivers - we inadvertently break the cycle of what I will clumsily call reciprocity - that one of the ways God allows us to minister to each other is by allowing the circle of reciprocity to run by being receivers as well as givers.

I talk, they listen they talk, I learn.
I offer transportation, they arrive at the destination, we are together, I benefit.


As we struggle to harness our learning in International teams, the difficulty for me come with defining exactly what the word benefit in the sentence above, looks like.

I'd love to hear your thoughts as to whether you agree the extent we complete this the cycle of reciprocity is directly proportional to the amount of dignity we bring.
As well as the whole idea of exchange.