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Luke 6
38 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.”
Taken as a maxim, as it should be, this text is one of the most revolutionary motivational principles ever taught.

The nature of God is revealed in this statement. God is lavish. God gives. He is continually pouring out his benefits, wooing the wayward and reaching out to bless saint and sinner alike. This is the essence of the Biblical narrative in that God sought out those who were not seeking Him. He made a covenant with those who had no idea a covenant could be made with Holy God.

In the Old Testament the very word for God’s nature in Hebrew is Ruach. It literally means “wind, breath, spirit.” Even when we speak that word we have to breath out as we pronounce it. God is the animator, life-giver, breath-giver and the “ever breathing outward Holy Spirit.” (ed: clarification.) To be like Him is to share such grace.

So- the practical thought is plain. If you want to participate in life-giving living and to have more to offer, more life to enjoy and “more seed to sow” you need to aspire to be a giver. Give as you have received. Be generous. By so doing we will be empowered and blessed even more by His Holy Spirit.

When Jesus is present in our lives and we are living lives of faith we will demonstrate liberality and even lavish liberality. We will give because we know we cannot out-give god. We will give knowing we will have nothing which has meaning or significance to give if we do not give out to others. We will give because we want to enjoy God who Himself rejoices in His love.

When we give in such faith we will find, Jesus said, “it will be given to you” so generously that it will be like an apron full of grain spilling out over the ground which comes back to you.

10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

We must never forget (children) that a real giver never makes a show of a gift. They do it secretly if possible, silently always and without fanfare. From the concepts of Margarete’ Shaner