A GOOD MEASURE

Jesus said, “Give and it shall 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” (Luke 6:38). Now this verse could be connected with giving money but that would be the least of the context, if it were context at all. The verse before this concerns itself with judging, condemning and pardoning (v. 37). It would seem that v.38 deals with the contrast to these three areas. Giving of any kind is the contrast and answer to judging, condemning or pardoning. This is very heroic.

Heroes are those who spend themselves on others. Giving is not defined as money in this verse and it is not intended to be. The most obvious giving intended is Holy Spirit gifts. One of those gifts is giving (money?) and the admonition is, ‘he who gives with liberality’ (Romans 12:8). This of course, would include money giving, but a much greater meaning would be to give the spiritual gifts we have been given with precisely the same liberality.

“Give and it will be given to you.” Jesus