Topic: Giving Is Source Of Abundance
Text: Luke 6:30 – 38
Generosity in
giving of material goods as well as love, compassion, and forgiveness of others
will result in returned generosity from God and men to us in the same measure.
Jesus wants us to be merciful and loving, not selfish or spiteful. He is
against retaliation and the concept of an eye-for-an-eye recompense for
wrongdoing. The illustration here is of blessings being returned in a bushel
basket, filled to the brim, pressed down and shaken together to make room for
more, then running over.
Jesus wants our
measure of mercy and kindness to overflow. Those who give easily will find
goodness coming back to them. Those who are stingy and reluctant givers will
receive in the same way. Jesus assures that the recompense will be in good
measure, pressed down shaken together and running over to accommodate more.
Being liberal is the way to riches; giving is the best and surest way of
thriving.
The woman of
Zarephath gave her last and that opened doors of abundance for her. Beloved, if
you want to live in abundance this year, plan and give; give to genuine needy
people, widows, destitute, the Levites and others who will not return or
recompense your good deeds. Surely, your reward will be great. Start today by
giving what you have to that person that will ask for it.
Sing A&M 361; Abu 128
Food for Thought: God has given us
two hands-one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns
made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing. – Billy Graham
Memory verse: Luke 6:38
Prayer:
Lord, teach me how to give because it is a way to make me look like you, the
giver of all things in Jesus name. Amen. 
