Give the Gift of Generosity by Alicia Briscoe

 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 6:38

This scripture is often taken out of context. It is usually a scripture read before collecting offering in church. As I was researching scriptures for this blog, I was surprised to see this one regarding generosity. I read the two verses prior to get the context of this scripture.

36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

 There are so many ways in life to be generous, aren’t there? Like give mercy oppose to judgement, (generosity of spirit), give a break oppose to condemnation (generosity of love), give forgiveness oppose to grudges (generosity of your heart).

The holiday season enhances a spirit of generosity of giving materialistic, and tangible gifts to family and friends. Some of us extend generosity to charities and those in need. I am encouraging you to widen your perspective about giving the gift of generosity. It can get hectic with trying to get your home ready for entertaining, to being overwhelmed with shopping for the “must have” gift for family/friends. It is easy to get caught in the trap of frustration and impatience with long lines, merchandise availability, and people.

So don’t be so hard on yourself or others. Instead, be encourage to give the gift of generosity of the spirit. Also, according to the scripture above you will receive the same measure you use. What a blessing! That is just like God to advise you to do something good so you can receive good in return. Not only will you receive but it is going to be pressed down, shaking together, and running over. This reminds me of Cold Stone ice cream cup sizes – “Like it, Love it or Gotta Have it.” The bigger the cup the bigger the measure of ice cream you will receive!

We are all blessed by the giving of God/others, and we are blessed to give.



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