“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” – Luke 6:38
LIGHT FOR NOW: God is the first and best giver.
Jesus in the above text was referring to judgment, mercy, forgiveness and nothing material. That is, Jesus was teaching them the act of recompense amongst men as typified by the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:38-42). However, notice his words from Luke 6:27-36. Matthew also recorded the same in Matthew 5:43-48. Thus, the first thing Jesus did was to point out to them, how men recompense or reward good or evil done to them as instituted by the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:38). He then taught them the character of God in giving to man, how that he forgives sinners and also believers; the thankful and the unthankful. Having explained the character of God to his audience, observe his closing statements (Luke 6:35-36; Matthew 5:43-48). Therefore, Jesus in this context, taught the character of God in a man (however in view) and made a contrast of the same, with the Law of Moses, which Paul explained in his epistles to the Romans as the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).
Observe Paul’s words in verse 2a “the law of the spirit of life in Christ…” which he explains further in context (Romans 8:9-17). Thus, the believer in Christ is indwelt by the spirit of God, the spirit of Christ, the spirit of life in Christ. Jesus was teaching the reality of man (new creature) in Christ. He was teaching how that the man in Christ is not subject to the Law of Moses (of sin and death), and because he has the nature of the father, the indwelling of the spirit, he can and should be merciful, kind, generous, liberal, caring and loving both to the thankful and the unthankful, just like our father. A believer is a product of giving; giving is his nature. In essence, the believer has the very nature of the Father (the spirit of God); hence, he is a Son of God. Glory!
INSTRUCTION: You are born of God, acknowledge this.
PRAYER: I know who I am; I am a giver because I am born of God.
QUOTE: The believer doesn’t give to become a giver; the believer is a giver so he gives.
DAILY READING: MORNING: JOHN CHAPTER 3; EVENING: JOHN CHAPTER 1
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 