Proportionate love

9-23-08

SCRIPTURE

"…Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 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." (Luke 6:37-38)

OBSERVATION

Whenever I read this verse, in context, it makes me want to grow in character - to love like Jesus and treat everyone with grace. I want to forgive and I want to give generously. Of course the context instructs me how to treat my enemies: those who are mean, those who dislike me, those who talk bad about me and don’t even know me. This verse explains to me that the amount of love and forgiveness I show (in my life) will be proportionately returned back to me from others. Love always wins.

APPLICATION

The Lord is saying to me to show and offer grace and mercy to people. Especially with people who tick me off or disappoint me. I don't know that I have many enemies, but I KNOW that I disappoint people. I also KNOW that I let people down because I haven't met their expectations. I'm not being treated nearly as bad as the people that are written about in the context of Luke 6 - but I still need to learn to Give and Forgive.

To Forgive and Give Big.

To use grace and love with great with great measurement.

To freely (generously) spill out grace, love, mercy, forgiveness and kindness to everyone.

I need to start with my own family.

PRAYER

Lord - You have poured out so much grace and kindness on my heart and life. I am so blessed. Thank you for forgiving me for my mess. Thank you for offering me Your grace and multiple new beginnings. Help me to be a leader (husband, dad, friend, neighbor, pastor) full of kindness, grace, forgiveness and mercy. How I long to never lose my first love for you and my family. Help me to always remember the ways in which you continue to bless me.