Take And Give

Take And Give

“Give and it will be given you: a good measure, which is solidified, shaken and spilled outwards will be poured into your usury. For the measure with which you measure it shall be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).

Bible Reading of the Year: 2 Chronicles 25-27

In the first century, the early church experienced severe pressure and persecution. In the historical record of the church and the book of Acts, many believers lost their jobs, homes, and even families because of their faith in Christ. But there is one thing that keeps the church alive and growing: they give to each other.

One of the famous stories is about the church in Antioch. When there was a great famine during the reign of Emperor Claudius, the Antioch congregation did not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the brothers and sisters in Judea. Although they were not wealthy themselves, churches gathered aid and sent it through Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:27–30). The Church first understood one spiritual principle: an open hand to give would never be left empty by God.

Jesus in Luke 6:38 taught the principle of the kingdom of God that often contradicts the logic of the world. The world says, “Keep as much as possible to be safe.” But Christ said, “Give, and it will be given to you.” It's not just talking about money, but also love, care, forgiveness, time, help, and even prayer.

Giving does not make us poor. Giving actually trains our hearts to believe that God is the source of all things. People who just want to receive usually live in fear of loss. On the contrary, the person who learns to give life in faith and joy.

There are three practical applications that we can do, namely:

First, learn to give sincerely, not because you have to. God does not see the magnitude of the gift, but the motivation of the heart. Start giving with joy, whether to family, church, friends, or people in need. Sometimes a small action can be an answer to prayer for someone.

Second, give time and attention to others. In today's age, many people are materially rich but poor in attention. Listening to someone who is hurting, comforting a disappointed friend, or accompanying a family member to talk can be a very valuable form of giving.

Third, be a channel of blessings, not a retainer of blessings. The flowing water remained clear, but the retained water became cloudy. God blesses us not only so that we may enjoy the blessings themselves, but that through our lives, others may feel the love of Christ.

When we give, we are actually sowing spiritual seeds. God is able to give back in ways we never imagined. Sometimes not in material form, but peace, God's help, health, restored relationships, and joy that the world cannot buy.

Prayer:

The loving Lord God, teach us to have a generous and loving heart. Keep us away from selfishness and fear of loss. Let our lives be a channel of blessing for many. Help us to faithfully give, help, and love sincerely as You have given Your life for us before. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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