TURNING LOOSE

Dallas Willard (1935-2013) wrote, “Giving is, among other things, an exercise in turning loose of what we have in our little “kingdom” to enter into the amazing reciprocity that God has built into the human heart.
“Give,” Jesus said, “and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Gospel of Luke 6:38) Note that it “will be given” to you—others around you will give to you. Generosity is what people are made for. They would love to be generous—if only they thought they could. Of course, they will rarely know they actually can unless they are experiencing life in the kingdom of God. Generosity is one essential dimension of love, and there is ample provision for it. Start being generous with what you have and it will grow.”

Unfortunately we have said or heard the Luke 6:38 passage to the tune of bribes, coercion, blackmail, threats, alibis, lies, babble, warnings, fear, extortion, twist, capital calls (E.O.), demands, and every other clever trick to get us to give our money. Yeah, whatever. If it stinks and smells bad… it is probably rotten.

However, to be generous and open-handed with all of our possessions including money is simply to live the Kingdom Way. I have never met a good leader or serious and strong Christian who was not also a serious and strong Giver. Never, no exceptions.

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Jesus