Romans 11:35
““Or who has first given to him, and it will be repaid to him again?””
What does Romans 11:35 mean?
Paul is asking a rhetorical question that cuts to the heart of grace: who could possibly give God something first, expecting repayment? The answer is no one. This verse reminds us that God doesn't operate on a transaction system where we earn favor by doing something nice for him first. Instead, everything we have and everything we are comes from God's generosity. When we give our time, money, or service, we're never putting God in our debt, because he's already given us everything. It's a humbling reality that can be deeply freeing, especially if you sometimes feel like you need to earn your way into God's good graces.