Luke 6:38

Luke 6:38 in the New King James Version reads: “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.”

This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus is teaching about love, mercy, and generosity. In the context of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, this verse is often interpreted as a call to generosity, both in material and spiritual terms.

Generosity in Giving The first part of the verse, “Give, and it will be given to you” is a clear call to generosity. This is not limited to financial or material giving but extends to time, talents, and service to others. The principle here is reciprocity, a common theme in Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 7:12).

Abundance in Receiving The phrase “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom” is an imagery of abundant blessing. It’s a picture from the marketplace, where vendors would press down and shake grain to make room for more, ensuring the customer received a generous measure. In the same way, God’s blessings to us are abundant and overflowing when we are generous.

The Measure You Use The final part, “For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” is a reminder of the principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7). This is not a prosperity gospel promise of material wealth, but a spiritual principle that our generosity or lack thereof will affect our own lives.

Application to Modern Christian Living In today’s context, this verse encourages Christians to be generous in all aspects of life. This includes being generous with our money, but also with our time, our talents, and our love for others. It reminds us that our generosity reflects God’s generosity towards us.

Citing Biblical and Reformed Christian Sources This interpretation aligns with the teachings of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, which emphasises the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and living out faith in daily life. Prominent Reformed theologians like John Calvin and Charles Spurgeon have written on the importance of generosity and the principle of sowing and reaping.

In conclusion, Luke 6:38 is a powerful verse that calls Christians to a life of generosity, promising that God will bless us abundantly in return. It’s a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that living a life in line with Jesus’ teachings brings blessings.