Genesis 29:15 (NKJV)

“Then Laban said to Jacob, ‘Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what should your wages be?’”

Don’t use people because they are available to be used. Every laborer is worthy of his wages but remember that wages need not be only in cash or kind. Because someone offers to serve you free of charge should not make you accept such an offer. You should be prepared to pay something for the free service, but that something may not be in the form of regular wages but could be in touching the laborer in the places of his greatest need.

For Jacob, his need was not money but a wife. So when asked what his wages should be, he voiced it: “I need to marry your daughter Rachel.” When people serve you for free, do all in your power to identify their areas of need and therein make an investment. And if you are the one providing a service to someone, always have a clarity of the kinds of blessings you’re asking God to bless you with.

Remember, the laborer deserves his wages. For those who serve you freely and voluntarily, find ways to pay them wages that will bless and uplift their hearts.

“Father, I pray that I will never take advantage of those around me who serve willingly and voluntarily. Please give me the sensitivity to find ways to touch and bless them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”