The investment of grace

HIGHLIGHT

Luke 6:37–38 (ESV): 37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

EXPLAIN

These verses are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, which some suggest may be simply Luke’s version of Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, and that the “plain” should be understood as some level ground in or around the mountain.

Another equally possible explanation is that this was a different sermon and event, but that Jesus merely taught with many of the same principles and illustrations as the other sermon.

This sermon, even more than Matthew’s, has a heavy focus on how to respond to one’s enemies.

APPLY

As I first read this scripture, my thought connected with the idea of verse 38, that the generous person will receive generosity, that the person who invests in others will reap great benefits.

This is true, but we must not divorce it from its context of how to respond to those who mistreat and malign you. Even more, this verse amplifies the instruction not to judge others lest you be judged also.

The real point seems to be a challenge to be grace-filled people, grace-giving persons. The more grace we extend, the more grace we are capable of receiving.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, help me to extend grace freely to everyone with whom I come in contact. May my investment of grace bring forth great profit for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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