Let’s consider how incredibly deep this verse is now that we’ve placed in its proper context. If we totally deleted verse 38 from this passage of scripture, there would be no question that Jesus is talking about forgiving others. He says, “be merciful…don’t judge…don’t condemn…forgive” which is basically like saying the same thing over and over again. Why would he, out of nowhere, start talking about material things in this conversation? The answer is: he wouldn’t (and he didn’t.) Jesus is instructing those who follow Him to “give” forgiveness in the same amount we desire to be forgiven. We are to be as merciful as God is to us while judging, condemning and forgiving others in the same way we desire to be judged, condemned and forgiven by God. When I think about how I’d like for God to treat my sin, I desperately want Him to overlook everything I do. After all, if He doesn’t then I’m in some serious trouble, right? My prayer today is that that we will all take some time to think about giving in the sense that Jesus meant it in this passage. Of course we are instructed in scripture to give money to the church and to others in need. But that’s a different conversation. We are talking about the mercy of God and how He expects us, His people, be just as merciful to those around us. - Stephen Sanders Luke 6:38: “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.” #give #receive #mercy #forgiveness #restoration #relationships #restored #gospel #wwjd #belikejesus #generousity #generousspirit #simplelife #humblelife
