A Second Look

“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

The verse above may be familiar to many of you.

But I am going to ask you to read it again but this time as you read it I want you to think about how we most often apply this verse –

Now honestly, how is this verse most often applied?

It is at offering time isn’t it?

It is preached in relation to our finances nine times out of ten.

I am not saying that is not a legitimate application.

I believe it can be.

But taken in context what do you suppose would be a more appropriate application?

Let’s answer that by looking at the verse that immediately precedes it – that leads us to this verse. Verse 37 says:

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

So, while we often speak of verse 38 as it relates to money or finances, it can be argued that it is more relevant in context to judgment, condemnation and forgiveness.

You would be more accurate in saying it has much to do with relationships and how we deal with other people.

Don’t judge, don’t condemn, do forgive, give these things and they will be given to you in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

Have you ever been ‘run over’ by the love, forgiveness and mercy of another person?

Guess how that happens.

Give and it shall be given to you!

He’ll give it to you if He can get it through you!