Read Luke 6:38 Have you ever noticed that you are much more likely to help someone who has helped you out in the past? Or, if someone has messed up and hurt you, you’re much more likely to forgive them if they’ve been merciful to you in the past? We tell kids all the time the words of Jesus, “do to others as you would have them do to you.” It just makes sense that we should treat others the way we want to be treated. But, how often do we forget this simple truth? There is great power in this principle, because, whether it’s with a friend, family, coworker, or even God, generosity is met with generosity. Even early on in Jesus’ ministry, large crowds would gather around Him to hear Him teach. On one such occasion, Jesus hit on many areas of life, including generosity. In His teaching, He said that those who give generously will be given to generously. If someone gives an abundance, He said, they will be given a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. In short, Jesus says that God blesses us in direct proportion to how we bless others. This is about more than just how we spend our money. It’s about how we live our life. Just before this passage, Jesus tells them that those who don’t judge won’t be judged, those who don’t condemn won’t be condemned, and those who forgive will be forgiven. If you are generous with mercy, you will receive a generous amount of mercy. If you are generous in how you treat people, God will see to it that you will be treated generously. So often, we want to be forgiven, we want to have mercy, we want respect, and we want help when we need it. But, it starts with you. Give and it will be given to you. Generosity is met with more generosity. When we are generous with our finances, God is generous to us. Sometimes that comes in the form of more finances, but sometimes it’s other, maybe even better, blessings. But, rest assured, if you’re selfish with what God has blessed you with, don’t hold your breath waiting for God to open the floodgates of blessing in your life. Reflect Are you more likely to be there for someone who has been there for you? Why do you think this is? Pray Ask God to help you treat others the way you want to be treated. But, even more than that, ask God to help you be generous in your life up to the same measure you want Him to bless you. // TWO-A-DAYS // GO A LITTLE FARTHER WITH YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONS // Go through these questions with your spouse, kids, or friend, or you can even journal about the answers to these questions:
- What was the best part of your day?
- What was the toughest part of your day?
- Where did you mess up today?
- Where did you see God today?
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