The way you know you'll receive 7 times what you give, Laurel, or in some cases 4,900 times what you give, is that the giving gives you true joy without any thought of even receiving 1 times back.
Nice R.O.I.,
The Universe
Oh, the 4,900 multiple, Laurel? Yes, this was overlooked by your parables because it was never quite understood. To quote, "Verily, he or she who gives, without any thought of receiving, will receive 7 times recompense for their offering, while those who do so with a glad heart, happy dance, or whoohooo, will receive thy 7 times recompense 700 more times." Hubba, hubba.
