Scripture
Luke 6:38 “If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving – large or small – it will be used to measure what is given back to you”.
Observation
Jesus is speaking of living with a generous spirit. He challenges his followers to go beyond giving to their friends or family but to give to everyone in need, even their enemies. The giving of which he speaks goes beyond financial or physical gifts, he says giving forgiveness, kindness, empathy, care, love to others is equally measurable and he calls his disciples to generously give all of these to anyone in need.
Application
The giving of money or material items is often easier than giving forgiveness, judgement and kindness. Especially to those who I think deserve the predicament they find themselves! But this is the test that Jesus places before me. He said that it is a no brainer to give to those who deserve it and those who I have relationship. Jesus tells me that he is measuring my gifts to those who may even despise me or work against me and who may never acknowledge my efforts with thanks. Ouch. Now that is a challenge!
Prayer
Jesus, you gave to me when I was still your enemy. Prior to accepting you as my Saviour I lived in opposition to you and all you stood for. Yet you died for me and gave me the opportunity to have a second chance. You ask me to do the same for those who stand in opposition to me, for what I stand for, for the Kingdom I now represent and you say that how I meter out generosity to them will be the way you meter it back to me. Having you as my supreme example (you’re not asking me to do anything that you have not already done yourself) I want to do as you call me to. Help me to see the opportunities before me each day to give to those who are in need and to do it generously.
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