Getting Back What You Give

In baking, the general rules of measure are to level off dry ingredients and measure liquids at eye level. But brown sugar, butter, and shortening are three ingredients with a different rule of measure: you must pack them in the cup for best results.

In Jesus’ teaching, known as “The Be-attitudes,” the topics of His sermon included righteousness, murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, love, charitable acts, prayer, fasting, wealth, and the way into the kingdom of God. He also instructed that we should love our enemies, do good and lend, not expect anything in return, be merciful as our Father, and not judge others. As Jesus concluded teaching that day, He said, “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.”

According to Jesus, whatever we “measure out” to others, we will receive the exact measurement in return: “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over, shall men give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38a). If we live rightly, we receive in return not only “good measure” (fair and accurate) but a measurement shaken and packed down. As your blessings overflow, they splash onto others. But remember, your measuring technique governs the benefits you receive. Do you “press down and shake together” fairness and generosity towards others until it spills over? The method you use for them will be the same one used for you. What “good measure” will you receive today in return?