SCRIPTURE:
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38
OBSERVATION:
What you give away freely, God will return to you. You simply cannot out give God. He will often return above and beyond anything you can think or imagine. However, this IS not the reason we do it. We do not give with the expectation to receive. We give because THAT is what God calls us to do.
APPLICATION:
The measure which we use, will be measured back to us. Some may interpret this verse with only a materialistic viewpoint. Yet, giving and receiving encompasses so much more in the Kingdom. While the world tells you to look out for yourself and keep what you have, Christ tells us differently – If you want more of something give it away.
Want to be forgiven? Give forgiveness freely.
Want to experience more mercy? Offer mercy openly.
Want more goodness in your life? Be good to others.
Everything Christ teaches us runs counter to what the world tells us. Want more of something? Give it away. There are many great examples in the Bible of this:
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:24-25
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” – Malachi 3:10
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6
I remember once in the middle of the day I began to feel extremely tired. Drinking caffeine wasn’t working, so I decided to get up and get moving. I went for a short walk and before I knew it I was wide awake. I got MORE energy, by “giving it away” so to speak.
As followers of Christ we are called to give freely. We do so not by compulsion or with the expectance of anything in return, but more often than not, The Lord returns to us in much greater amounts.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have been selfish and held on to what You have called me to give away. Thank You Lord for always taking care of me. May I give away cheerfully, just as You’ve asked me to, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
