Jesus says in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.”

The direction in this verse is pretty clear, that if we give, we will receive. However, I think the second sentence has a deeper message. “For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.” Some translations write “by the same standard of measure…” This part of the message is not necessarily about how much we give, but the “standard of measure” we have in giving. I think this means the mindset or attitude that we have in giving. If we give reluctantly, worried about what is being done with “our” gifts, or concerned that we cannot afford to give, we can expect to receive by this standard.

But if we give generously, with the confidence that God always provides, we will receive with the same “standard of measure.”

2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us, “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Dear Lord, you provide all we have, and can give us much more, at your will. Help us remember then to give with a generous measure and you will allways give us everything we need and plenty left over. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.