May 22
The Generosity
of Giving
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Daily Steps
Peace in relationships is often broken by a scarcity mindset—the fear that if you give, you will lose out. This verse provides the new believer with the principle of generosity, assuring us that giving is the path to receiving, which creates a peaceful, open-handed spirit.
The peace in this principle is rooted in guaranteed return:
The Simple Command: The instruction is simple and active: "Give." This is a call to generosity not only with your finances, but with your time, attention, service, and forgiveness in relationships. Giving is the antidote to selfish ambition (Day 141).
The Divine Promise: God guarantees a return: "it will be given to you." The measure of this return is described in extravagant terms: "A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over." This imagery, taken from the marketplace, assures you that God's return is abundant and far exceeds your own initial gift.
The Law of Reciprocity: The principle holds true: "For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." If you are generous, God will ensure that generosity is returned to you. If you are stingy, that stinginess will also be reflected back.
Your relational peace is secured by generous giving. When you give freely of your heart, time, and resources, you replace the fear of loss with the confidence of God's abundant return, opening the door for harmonious, peaceful relationships.
Reflective Question
In what specific relationship are you currently holding back your time, praise, or effort out of fear of being depleted? How can you purposefully give generously in that area today, trusting God’s promise of a good measure, running over?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my fear of scarcity and my reluctance to give freely. I thank You for Your abundant provision. I choose to obey Your command: Give, trusting Your promise that a good measure, running over, will be returned to me. May this commitment to generosity secure a peaceful, open heart in all my relationships. Amen.
