Our scripture this morning is Luke 6:37-38.
Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
This passage from the Sermon on the Plain is Luke’s account of Jesus’ teaching which is also recorded in the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew. There we read “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1-2). Again we see that even though different authors have shared this in slightly different ways, the core of Christ’s lesson remains the same.
God wants us focused on sharing His love, not using it as a weapon. Yes, He has set standards for us but our task is not to berate others for failing to reach these but to help all to know God’s love and His law. Jesus taught what is expected of us but we are each individually responsible to accept His guidance.
Generosity comes from trusting God, knowing that our gifts are from Him and we merely share what we have been given. God has a plan for every one of us and we must follow the path Jesus has shown us. The only way we can be saved is through living in love and service to our savior and each other.
Gracious God, You have given us everything we have. Bless us to be generous with Your gifts that all may come to know Your love. Amen.
