There are many difficulties to overcome if we are to build this new world. One of the biggest involves the concept of giving.

Giving in its highest form is unconditional, done without expectation of receiving anything in return. It is a wonderful practice.

We give because we have received God's love. And like all love, it means so much more when we share it with others.

Make no mistake. This is where I hope all will get to. However, that is not where we are today. And so now we must find a way to deal with what is until we can get to where we want to be.

The problem with giving is the fact that so many are takers. They are willing to sit back and take whatever someone else will give without ever thinking they should either pass it along, or give back in return.

Such actions test the giver's ability and willingness to keep giving, triggering an egoic backlash within the giver.

If one person wants to give freely, but does not receive a flow back, how long can they continue giving? Until there's nothing left to give?

Our world is made up of energy. Energy flows continually throughout the system. It flows within us. If flows from us to others. And it flows from others to us.

Giving is one such form of that flow. When we give, we create an energetic void that must somehow be filled.

However, unless the recipient of our giving fills that void, then we are left wanting, hoping that God or the universe or whatever will fill it back up for us.

If someone receives without giving back, they are in essence saying to us, "Let someone else do it," if it is to be done at all, while they reap the fruits of our giving.

When that happens it puts us in a predicament. Keep giving and trust we'll get it back somewhere, somehow. Or if it doesn't quickly develop, then to put our own interests first.

The problem is most of us aren't able or willing to wait for it to come back to us, even it comes in the promised ten-fold or more. Life demands from us, so it's only natural that we begin demanding of it.

And that means giving unconditionally stops.

We begin to give reluctantly if at all, often with strings attached to protect "our interests" so other people "won't take advantage."

In short, we begin giving to get, not giving just to give.

Our gift demands a "quid pro quo", or that which is bargained for, which destroys its status as a gift. And that puts us in the world of business.

In traditional business there is no giving. It is rather a bargained for exchange that is known in legal circles as consideration. You give me what I want; in return I give you what you want.

Churches try to get around this by asking for donations. They give to their congregation, and the congregation gives back to them. The notorious "love donation" is one form of this reciprocal giving. Yet always it is done with the expectation of receiving in return.

This so-called donation is the consideration that is bargained for, if not overtly then at least implied in return for whatever inspiration is provided.

However, this renders the provider subject to the same vagaries of getting a reciprocal gift.

In order to make the transition to a new basis for interaction, I suggest a new foundation for activity that I call the "equivalent exchange." Whether that equivalency is one of value, energy, or money, it is a giving with an understanding that there will be a reciprocal giving.

Not bargained for, but mutually honoring each other's energy in equivalent fashion. Allowing love to be freely given, and received in a manner that does not trigger an egoic backlash in the giver that makes them want to stop giving.

It is a relationship based in mutual respect, honoring the contribution of each. And exercising the responsibility to do one's part in providing that exchange.

Why not give it a try?

Read about equivalent exchange.