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 back to you.
Luke 6:38
BSB
Read Luke 6 in a modern translation BSB
Read the whole chapter (Luke 6)
Until it overflows
From a generous grain merchant you got more than you paid for. He pressed the grain down in the measure, shook it so that everything settled, and kept scooping until it spilled over the rim. The buyer caught it in a fold of his robe, above the belt. That fold served as a pocket.
Jesus uses this image right after his words about not condemning others but forgiving them. Whoever is generous with forgiveness and with what they have does not get a rationed portion back. God does not level off the measure; he gives lavishly, until it overflows.
Question for today
Who still gets only a meagre measure of my forgiveness or my help?
Prayer
Father, you give me more than I can hold. Let my measure overflow too, for everyone I meet. Amen.
One of the 339 words of Jesus on this site, from the temple to Revelation. See all the words in order →