"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38 KJV
I love this scripture. Not because of the promise of the blessing I will receive, but for what I can do for others: "...Shall men give into...". Christmas time usually brings out the giving spirit in people. It's nothing to walk around seeing people placing change in the Salvation Army bucket. Church members are eager to give to the misfortune. People that wouldn't normally do so, give to those on the street begging for change. But, this scripture isn't for a season. It isn't for an appointed time. It is an everyday, all the time blessing. Giving, the spirit of giving, should run rampant in the church. There should be no member unwilling to give. Maybe you don't have the finances, but your time is valuable. Go to a nursing home and read to the elderly. Visit the sick and shut in and clean their home. Spend time playing games with kids at an orphanage. Don't wait for the holly jolly time of year to give. Then, give without expectation of a material blessing. The only thing you should expect in return is the knowledge that you have done what God has called you to do.
Church members love to quote this scripture, but we forget what proceeds it.... " 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:" (Luke 6:36-37 KJV). Give unto your brother and sister as if it was you. Give unto them as if you were homeless, hungry, beaten, depressed, angry. Give with all the love you have in your heart. Give with the intent on blessing someone whom is struggling as we all struggle. Give and bless them that need it. Give, give, give!!! Then rejoice with them that rejoice (Romans 12:15) and celebrate the victory over the enemy. For your blessing onto the one has lightened a heavy heart and blessed a tortured sole.
Be A Blessing and Not Just Blessed