Topic: Our Standard of Measure
Today’s Scripture: Luke 6:30-38
30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.
31 Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
34 If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount.
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.
36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.
38 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.”
In Touch Ministries Daily Devotional 27 March 2021 Message:
Imagine you have a bucket, and all the “supplies” inside are for your interactions with people. What’s in your bucket?
Jesus points out a number of things that we can choose to pour out on others—material possessions, love, good deeds, money, mercy, and pardon. It’s an impressive list. And yet He also challenges us to love our enemies, do good to those who mistreat us, give to “takers,” lend without expecting anything in return, and grant mercy to those who don’t deserve it. Why would He call us to this? Because as God’s children, we’re expected to treat others the way He treats them—“for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people” (Luke 6:35).
The second thing to consider is the size of our bucket. Jesus says that by our standard of measure, it will be measured back to us (Luke 6:38). However, we are also told to expect nothing in return from those we treat with kindness (v. 35). The ultimate reward for our loving and gracious behavior will come, not from them but from God.
What are you pouring onto others? By showering them with grace, you display the character of your Father. Use a bucket full of love and kindness, and you’ll discover that the Lord uses an even bigger bucket to lavish His goodness upon you.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 13-14
Thanks for reading In Touch Ministries Daily Devotional 27 March 2021 By Dr Charles Stanley
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
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