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. Luke 6:38
“Give with a heart glowing with generous sentiments; give as the fountain gives out its waters from its own swelling depths; give as the air gives its vital breezes, unrestrained and free; give as the sun gives out of its light, from the infinite abysses of its own nature.”
Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert in Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895) 25.
What is a good measure for our generosity? I suggest we position ourselves to serve as fountains. We tap the source of all generous giving and let it flow through us with beauty and abundance. We are to be conduits, not containers, of spiritual and material blessings.
It must flow from our hearts with love. It’s not so much our duty, but our DNA in Christ. We give as He gave and as He has instructed us to give. I hear people say that if God supplies, they will give. That’s backwards. It does not require faith. Jesus says to trust Him to supply, to give and it will be given in good measure.
With three missions accomplished in Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia, I can report that even as the fountains give water, the air gives breezes, and the sun gives light, God supplied a good measure for my service. I pray He does the same for you as you give yourself away for Him.
Today my brother turns 56. He’s a great example of a person who often gives generously and trusts God to supply. Happy Birthday. David. I pray you have another rich year of service to God and that God continues to replenish your resources and energy in good measure to give what you have day by day.