January 27, 2014 - "Giving Without Measure"

Good Monday morning as we begin a new week. I just returned from North Carolina where I was able to spend a couple of days with my husband and MAN - it was cold! Of course there was snow on the ground and windy, so perhaps the movement of air across the white stuff made me feel like I was freezing although I was layered and bundled. I DO LIKE drinking coffee by the fireplace when snow is on the ground. Anyway....today let's expound upon Luke 6:38. I had the honor of bringing the tithe and offering meditation yesterday at our church and the Lord took me to a very familiar passage on giving in Luke 6. As I began to study and examine different translations, as well as read the verse coupled with others and within context, I began to focus on the principle established. Here's what I feel Jesus was imparting to those traveling with him: your actions often determine the response you receive. Now yes, that is my interpretation, but I see this woven into the fabric of our Lord's teachings. Sometimes I wish this weren't the principle as I KNOW my actions are not always what they should be. Am I the only one? I realize Luke 6:38 speaks of giving, and people tend to shout when they digest "good measure - poured back into my lap - running over." But we cannot read the verse without digesting the meaning as a Jewish writer would have communicated it. Here's the verse as stated in the New Living Translation: "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." When we read this, sometimes we forget that all the good stuff begins with us - with our actions initiating the response! But we cannot understand the full meaning of what Jesus is trying to convey without reading the verse in context. Actually, upon close examination, it sits among verses which speak of doing good to others and forgiveness: 35"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. 36"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. 38"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure -- pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." Yes, I believe that as we give to others we are planting seed which produces a harvest...but there are many things we give to others daily: love, support, non-judgmental attitudes - not just money. Remember the greatest gift is love. Plan today to give LAVISHLY and then expect that which you've given to be given to you. If you extend forgiveness today - you can expect forgiveness to be given to you in a good measure, pressed down, shaken together. Right? I need that type of forgiveness and love and patience given to me daily. But first...I have to give it generously. Have a great one! PK