How we treat other people makes a difference. For some, this statement is an obvious truth, while others of us may not have yet learned this lesson. This is one of those truths that we don’t need to read the Bible to learn. Indeed, the notions of karma and knowing what goes around comes around are things we think about without giving much thought to where they came from. Like anything good, noble, and true, this principle of life came from God.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

Galatians is just one place in the Bible where we can read of this notion that’s existed as long as there have been people walking the earth. I was thinking about this today when I read something Jesus said in Luke.

“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)

I want to share my thoughts regarding this verse and others that stood out to me today in my daily reading.

Reciprocity

When Jesus told his disciples this, He had been speaking about judging, condemning, and forgiving other people. Rarely do I hear this verse quoted about judgment and condemnation of others. Usually, I only hear the first part of the verse, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap,” during times when someone is asking for an offering. That’s okay because there are many applications of Scripture. In the manner of tithes and offerings, I think we can apply this verse. However, we are prone to remember what we hear more than what we’ve read.

This is where the second, and arguably, the most important part of this verse comes in. “For the measure you use, it will be measure to you.” We could almost do without the first, and more often quoted, part of this verse because I see the lesson in this, the less quoted part of the verse.

The first thing to understand, I think, is this doesn’t necessarily apply how we think it applies. Before His teaching about judging and condemning others, Jesus was talking about loving our enemies and how we should treat them. Jesus doesn’t tell us to treat our enemies well because they will treat us well in return. No, in fact, Jesus declares this type of behavior as being ordinary and expected. What does He say? “Even the sinners love those who love them” (cf. Luke 6:32 NIV). Jesus tells us we are to love our enemies because God loves us. We were once enemies of God before we were saved. Yet, God made a way for us to be saved.

This measure then, that’s given back to us, is given back to us, firstly, by God. If we walk around with unforgiveness in our hearts, judging and condemning other people, how can we expect God to forgive us when we are really no better? All of us were deceived before we knew Jesus and the pardon of our sins. Jesus didn’t die only for us, He died for everyone. None of us can measure up to God on our own. All of us will still have to answer for our sins when we stand before the throne of judgment. How then can we seriously point out anyone else’s sin and self-righteously judge them?

I do believe if we treat people with love, kindness, charity, mercy, and forgiveness, we will find more of it in our lives from other people.

Waiting

Christians are waiting for the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We’ve been waiting for almost 2,000 years now. When I read this verse from Genesis, something occurred to me.

“In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.”

Genesis 15:16 (NIV)

What we’re waiting for is for everyone who is going to be saved. Paul writes in Romans:

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.

Romans 11:25 (NIV)

This is why it’s important for those of us who are saved to patiently wait for the Lord’s return, and we can hasten the day of His return by telling other people about Him! The more people we tell the good news to, then the more people know. The more people who know, the more people who have been given the opportunity to accept salvation. Once everyone is saved who is supposed to be saved, the Lord will come, and we can go Home.

Conclusion

From how we treat others (how God has treated us) to understanding why Jesus has not yet come are important things to know. I hope you’ve been as blessed today as I have been blessed by being able to share with you.

Do you know God? God knows you, and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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