“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 back to you.” Luke 6:38
Give
This one word frames the whole of Jesus’ life. The One who had it all GAVE His all that we would follow His example.
Why did Christ GIVE Himself so radically and extravagantly? Each context below says because Christ LOVED us!
Jesus gave Himself for the Church (Eph 5:25-27)
Jesus gave Himself by suffering and offering Himself as a sweet-smelling sacrifice to The Lord (Eph 5:1-2)
Jesus gave Himself by becoming poor that we might be rich in Spirit. (2 Cor 8:9)
Love was and is His motivation. Make it yours, too.
And It Shall Be Given
But that’s not the end of the story. God’s Word is true and this “and it shall be given” was demonstrated first through Christ’s exaltation and glorification by the Father.
Hebrews 2:9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
Likewise, a glorious reception awaits all who do His will, give of themselves for others.
Matthew 25:21
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
But if we hide or waste the Lord’s gifts and calling to “Give” like Jesus did, we run the risk of hearing these words:
Matthew 25:30
And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Just do it and see how generous God will be in pouring the peace of Christ into your spirit. It’s up to YOU — the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
The stingy will receive little to none. But those who lavishly, extravagantly, richly on the Lord and others, will themselves be lavished upon by the Lord, and potentially by the one’s to whom you spend your life.
Proverbs 11: 24-25(HCSB)
One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous person will be enriched,
and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water