Give, Forgive, and Reap

Thistlebend Quiet eMoment

by Laurie Aker

Focus Scripture: 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.
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Forgive!
And you will be forgiven!

Give!
And it will be given to you!

How should we give and forgive?

With love.
With kindness.
With gentleness.
With patience.
With compassion.
With understanding.
With humility.
As if they were you.
Seventy times seven.

Matthew Henry helpfully observes:
“God often makes use of men as instruments,
not only of his avenging, but of his rewarding justice.
They that sow plentifully shall reap plentifully.
Whom God recompenses he recompenses abundantly.”

The Message translation is helpful here:

Luke 6:37-38
Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures,  
criticize their faults–unless, of course,
you want the same treatment.  
Don’t condemn those who are down;
that hardness can boomerang.
Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.
Give away your life; you’ll find life given back,
but not merely given back–given back with bonus and blessing.
Giving, not getting, is the way.  
Generosity begets generosity.

TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART

Unless we are in Christ, we can’t live like this–
we can’t live like Christ.
But if we are in Christ, do we live
in His power and by His Spirit?

Because if we live in our own power
we won’t be able to do what
He calls and commands us to do.
Ask yourself the following questions and then close in prayer.

Are you quick to forgive?You will be forgiven!

Are you quick to give?
It will be given to you!
Forgive and give generously, abundantly and reap great benefits now
and for the kingdom of heaven!

MEDITATE or MEMORIZE

Write out the following verse from Luke 6 and recite it 3 times.
Take it with you throughout the day.

37 Judge not, and you will not be judged;  
condemn not, and you will not be condemned; 
forgive, and you will be forgiven;   

PRAYER

Lord, give me an attitude of forgiveness
and a heart that gives.

In His hands for His glory,

Laurie
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