The Appeal for Charity by Jesus

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” [1]

Have you ever heard this verse quoted just before the collection plate is passed around in an assembly, and money is collected? This morning as I read this passage, the Lord led me to read this verse in the context of what actions and teachings preceded it in the chapter.

The Pharisees had questioned the legality of the disciples of Jesus plucking grain from a grain field and eating it on the Sabbath Day. Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” The scribes and Pharisees were also filled with rage at Jesus because He healed a man on a Sabbath Day. [2] They were concerned that Jesus was being too generous with people and judging them too lightly.

After praying all night, Jesus chose twelve men to be His apostles. After that, Jesus healed numerous people of illnesses. After that, Jesus described to these people the traits of blessed people. He speaks of loving one’s enemies, doing good to those who hate you, blessing those who curse you, and praying for those who spitefully use you, and being kind to the unthankful and evil because these are character traits of the Heavenly Father. [3]

It was in this context that Jesus taught His listeners about being generous with their treatment of others. Instead of judging and condemning, being forgiving and charitable! Giving what? Love! God’s love.

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” [4]

[1] Luke 6:38
[2] Luke 6:1-11
[3] Luke 6:12-36
[4] Luke 6:37-38