Let us look further at practical methods of releasing the prospering power of love in our lives.

Third, give with love.

Jesus spoke of giving, "expecting nothing in return". It could not mean, of course, that there is no law of cause and effect, and that there is no divine return for everything we give, or compensation as Emerson calls it. The Master simply encouraged His followers to give, expecting nothing particular from recipients of those gifts, contrary to what we do in business relations. Jesus urged people to share their time, talents, and treasures freely, therefore providing the opportunity for God to reward us in unexpected ways.

Kahlil Gibran wrote of those who give with love that "these are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty".

The greatest benefit of giving, therefore, is deepening of our own prosperity consciousness. And prosperity consciousness, being developed, naturally leads us to greater visible manifestations of prosperity.

For individuals who consider giving, thousands upon thousands of opportunities are opened. The large number of charities, religious institutions, and individuals are eagerly trying to attract public attention to specific cases of need. But how should we determine where to give? How should we use our resources? Let the Spirit within us guide us to the right direction, giving us peace and assurance that we're good stewards of God-given treasures.

How much should we give? Many spiritual authors agree that the practice of tithing, or giving of one tenth of our income, is a good start.

Brad Jensen writes:

"Tithing is giving ten percent of your income to those groups or individuals that you see using spiritual principles in a way that you would like to have grow in your life. Tithing doesn't make you a good person, it just expands your conscious experience of abundance. It is the declaration that I am worth something to the universe, that my participation means something to reality, that I know I am worth something to God".

"For most people, a good place to start is tithing to your church, your support group, someone who is teaching you, someone who is a good spiritual example to you. Think of your tithe as a spiritual investment. Think of it also as a decision, saying "I want more of this in my life", referring to whatever you tithe to. Many churches and centers teach you to tithe to "Your channel for spiritual good". Well, that's the whole world if you choose to live in the Spirit".

"I say, give where you feel good about giving - where you can give without doubt or restriction. If there is no such place, create one. Give unconditionally, with joy, with no strings attached, and receive the same way".

Some people insist that they should be exempt from giving, because they don't have much to offer. But in most cases it is far from being true. We all have some resources at our disposal, and we can always share them with others in the spirit of courageous love.

Giving with love implies courage courage to believe that God will never fail us, and when we let go some of our substance, we create an empty space to be filled with greater and more valuable blessings which will satisfy all of our needs.

Finally, be grateful to the God of love, the Source of our abundance.

"But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:18), tells the Bible. When success is achieved, there often comes a temptation to forget by whose power it came into our life. We may attribute it to our hard work, to our brilliant ideas, to our abilities to get along with people and to receive support from them. All this is true - but only in part. In a deeper sense, we cannot do anything or achieve anything apart from God. All the power belongs to God, and we only use this power, with greater or lesser efficiency. It is a sign of spiritual maturity to be always grateful to our Source. By being grateful, we stay attuned to the Spirit within, and prepare ourselves for a new inflow of divine blessings.

By being grateful, we say firm and resolved "YES" to God's prospering love toward us.