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 NIV
What a message for today. In a time when people are hoarding toilet paper and other essentials, Jesus encourages us to give. And to give generously.
It is easy sometimes to give. Giving out of our abundance does not really cost us all that much. When I have a lot, and a convenient way of getting more, giving is simple.
But when the store shelves are empty. When we fear going to the store because of the danger of coming down with COVID-19. And when my own supplies are running low. Then, being generous can become more challenging.
Surely Jesus would not expect me to share from my rapidly diminishing store of toilet paper or eggs. If I give what I have, then I may have to join the line of those who are desperately searching for the essentials of life.
Yet it seems that is exactly what Jesus is advocating. The people he was instructing here were the common folk. The ones who lived from day to day. What they had was what they needed to live that day. These were the ones Jesus encouraged to be generous.
But that instruction comes with a promise. If I am generous to those around me who are in need. Then Jesus promises that God will be even more generous with me. He will richly bless all of those who give. God’s generosity to you will in some way be measured by your generosity to others. Give generously. And it will be given to you.