Verse: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
What’s Going On?
In this verse, Jesus is teaching his followers a powerful lesson about generosity. He’s not just talking about giving money, but giving in all aspects of life – time, love, kindness, forgiveness. It’s about having an open heart and sharing what we have with others.
What Jesus Is Saying
- Generosity is a Boomerang: When we give to others, it doesn’t disappear. It comes back to us, often in unexpected ways. It might not be the exact same thing we gave, but it will be something good. Jesus uses vivid imagery of a cup overflowing to illustrate this point.
- The way you give matters: Have you ever given someone a gift grudgingly? Or done a favour with a bad attitude? Jesus is saying that the way we give is just as important as what we give. If we give generously and with a good heart, we will receive the same in return.
- It’s not about getting back: Even though Jesus promises that we will receive when we give, the focus isn’t on the reward. It’s about the joy and blessing of being generous. When we give out of love and compassion, we become more like God, who is the ultimate giver.
Why It Matters for You
- You have something to give: No matter how young or how much stuff you own, you have something valuable to offer. It could be your time, your talents, your friendship, your smile. Don’t underestimate the impact of even small acts of kindness.
- Giving feels good: When you give to others, it makes you feel happy and fulfilled. It’s a way to connect with others and make a positive difference in the world.
- God loves a cheerful giver: The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver. This means that our attitude matters. When we give with joy and without expecting anything in return, it brings glory to God.
Study Questions
- What are some ways you can be generous with your time, talents, and resources?
- Can you think of a time when you gave something to someone and it came back to you in an unexpected way?
- How can you make generosity a regular part of your life?
- What do you think Jesus means when he says, “For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you”?
Let’s chat about these questions or any other thoughts you have on this verse!
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