Posts
"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:38 (NKJV)
This verse is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible regarding generosity, blessing, and reciprocity. It contains a profound truth about the way God’s kingdom operates: what we give, whether materially or spiritually, will return to us in abundance. But to fully grasp the significance of Luke 6:38, we must look at its context, its deeper meaning, and how it applies to our lives today.
1. The Context of Luke 6:38
Luke 6:38 is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, which is similar to the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5–7. In this section of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus teaches about love, mercy, forgiveness, and judgment. The verse is not just about financial giving but about the broader principle of generosity in all aspects of life.
In the preceding verses (Luke 6:27-37), Jesus instructs His followers to:
- Love their enemies (Luke 6:27-28).
- Show mercy, as God is merciful (Luke 6:36).
- Avoid judging others harshly (Luke 6:37).
When Jesus says, "Give, and it will be given to you," He is speaking about an attitude of generosity—not just in money, but in kindness, forgiveness, love, and all good things.
2. What Does "Give, and It Will Be Given to You" Mean?
This verse presents a divine principle of giving and receiving that applies to multiple areas of life. Here’s what it means:
a. Giving Materially
Many people associate this verse with financial generosity—and it certainly applies! When we give to others with an open heart, whether in tithes, offerings, or helping those in need, God blesses us in return.
- Proverbs 11:25 (NKJV) – "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself."
- 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV) – "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
However, this promise is not a "give to get" scheme. The heart of giving should always be love, not selfish motives. God blesses those who give freely, not those who give only to receive something in return.
b. Giving in Love and Kindness
Jesus is also teaching about generosity in spirit. Just as we should be generous with our money, we should also be generous with:
- Love: Loving even those who don’t love us back.
- Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges instead of holding onto bitterness.
- Encouragement: Speaking words of life instead of criticism.
When we give love, kindness, and mercy, we receive them back in abundance—from God and often from people.
3. "A Good Measure, Pressed Down, Shaken Together, and Running Over"
This imagery comes from an ancient marketplace, where grain was measured out in baskets. Here’s how it works:
- A good measure – The seller gives you an honest, full portion.
- Pressed down – The grain is compacted to make room for more.
- Shaken together – The basket is shaken to remove empty spaces.
- Running over – The grain overflows beyond what was expected.
This symbolizes God’s abundant blessings—not just enough, but more than enough. When we give generously, God ensures that we receive in overflowing abundance.
4. "For With the Same Measure That You Use, It Will Be Measured Back to You"
This final phrase reminds us of a powerful truth: The way we give determines how we receive.
- If we are stingy, we limit the blessings we receive.
- If we are generous, we open the door for God’s abundance.
This applies to:
✔ Money – Giving tithes and offerings, helping those in need.
✔ Mercy – Forgiving others leads to receiving God’s forgiveness.
✔ Judgment – Showing grace instead of condemnation invites grace in return.
Jesus teaches that our attitudes and actions create the kind of blessings we receive.
5. How This Verse Applies to Our Lives
a. Cultivate a Heart of Generosity
God calls us to be givers in every area of life. Whether it’s financial support, emotional encouragement, or acts of kindness, we should give freely and joyfully.
b. Trust God’s Promise
Many people fear giving because they worry about not having enough. But Luke 6:38 reminds us that God is our provider. When we give in faith, He ensures that our needs are met beyond measure.
c. Be Generous in Forgiveness and Love
This verse isn’t just about money—it’s about our attitude toward others. Are we generous with our grace, or do we hold onto bitterness? Do we love unconditionally, or do we love only those who love us back?
d. Expect Overflowing Blessings
God’s blessings come in many forms—not just money, but peace, joy, relationships, favor, and opportunities. When we give, we make room for divine overflow in our lives.
Conclusion
Luke 6:38 is a powerful reminder that giving is a key principle of God’s kingdom. It’s not just about money, but about our entire attitude toward generosity.
- Give freely—God will bless you abundantly.
- Give love and mercy—and receive the same in return.
- Give with a pure heart—not just to receive, but because God has given so much to you.
When we live generously, we unlock the overflowing blessings of God—"a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over."
May we all embrace the spirit of giving, trusting that God will always supply our needs and bless us beyond measure!
No comments:
Post a Comment