Measure for Measure

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38

I’ve been growing parsley in a clay pot on our patio and one day while watering I discovered three caterpillars, monarch butterflies to be, that had made themselves at home in the parsley and were happily munching away. Some gardeners would have been horrified but I was delighted and watched them closely for several days. They stayed only until every last leaf of parsley had been consumed. I was sad to see them go but I noticed that there was just the tiniest bit of new growth on the plant so we kept watering and within a week the plant was full again. I know that my standard of measure could never measure up to God’s but it seems He spoke to my heart that day with a small illustration of this principle at work. I know that His Word is true; I know He loves a cheerful giver and I know from experience that this verse has applied in our lives on so many occasions but I needed reminding that day and God used parsley and caterpillars. I pray that He will bless me with a givers heart so that I might give without regard to whether I would receive in return but that I would give just because I love Him.

The givers I know don’t seem to lack for anything. Oh, they might not all have material things in abundance but they know how to live by this principle from God’s Word and they are blessed beyond measure for it.