Freedom Calls

As children of God, we are called to live a life of generosity and abundance.

In Luke 6:38, Jesus teaches us a profound truth about the power of giving and receiving. The significance of this verse and how it applies to our lives as believers is no small matter.

Some of the times in my life where I have felt the nearest to God have been in giving to those who had absolutely nothing to offer to me. The feeling of His presence and the love of being in the overlap of His will and mine is nothing short of divine. Yesterday was one of those moments.

“The principle which converts people into friends, which converts people into lovers, is not a principle of moral effort, or of duty, or of self-denial, but a principle of sheer, disinterested, unmotivated, impersonal love.”

CS Lewis

Yesterday, I had the privilege to drive 50 miles out my way to help a gentleman that was my last appointment of the day. It was nearing 100 degree heat and before I knew he would be waiting for a bus over two hours I offered him a ride home.

At first I thought it may be an easy on my way type of ‘good deed’. He was disheveled and smelled of a long and sweaty journey to my office without the hygiene that was needed to keep it a secret. He was humble, gentle and kind. His aroma of grace overwhelmed my other senses.

As we turned to drive the opposite direction of my already hour long journey home we began to talk.

We talked for the entire journey and shared and encouraged each other like we were brothers, both aligned in values and a deep love of Jesus in nearly constant awe of His majesty and wonder.

I think as we spoke that we realized we both have been forgiven for a lot through the years and appreciate amazing grace and are astonished daily by it.

We prayed before he got out the car and he held my hand a bit tighter and longer, adding; “Thank you Jesus for sending me a brother and a friend today.”

On my way home my heart was leaping and praises to God were spilling like an overflowing levy.

God had blessed me through John and renewed my hope and given me new perspective when needed desperately. He blessed my day. He is my friend and brother and I want to visit him again. I miss him this morning. God sent John to bless me and I almost missed the blessing.

The Principle of Generosity

Charles Spurgeon, in his sermon on Luke 6:38, reminds us:

“Giving is the very lifeblood of Christianity. It is the pulsing artery of the Gospel, by which the life of God flows into the world.”

Spurgeon’s words highlight the importance of generosity in the Christian life. As we give, we participate in the very lifeblood of our faith, and the life of God flows into the world through us.

The Measure You Use

CS Lewis in Mere Christianity reminds us that the measure we use is not about moral effort or duty but about living out of a place of love. As we give, we must do so with a heart that is motivated by love, rather than obligation.

The Promise of Abundance

A.W. Tozer, in his book The Pursuit of God, says:

“The generous giver shall be rewarded with an abundance… The measure he uses shall be the measure that is used to him again.”

Tozer emphasizes the promise of abundance that accompanies generosity. As we give with a generous heart, we can expect a corresponding overflow of blessings from God.

The Connection between Giving and Receiving

Watchman Nee, in his book The Normal Christian Life, explains:

“In the realm of the spirit, giving and receiving are not two separate things but one single process… We must learn to give if we wish to receive.”

Nee highlights the interdependence of giving and receiving. As we give, we open ourselves to receive, and as we receive, we are empowered to give even more.

The Experience of Generosity

D.L. Moody, in one of his sermons, shares his personal experience with generosity:

“I have found it true that when I have given myself away for Christ, God has always given me more than I gave.”

Moody’s testimony underscores the reality of this principle. As we give ourselves away for Christ and His Kingdom, we can expect a generous return from our heavenly Father.

In Luke 6:38, Jesus teaches us a powerful truth about the connection between giving and receiving. As we give with a generous heart, we can expect a corresponding abundance of blessings from God. We have seen and tasted this when we are at our best.

As children of the Most High God, may we embrace this truth and live out its implications in our daily walk with Jesus Christ. May our hearts be generous, our giving be abundant, and our receiving be overflowing with the blessings of God.