In Luke 6:37-38 Jesus is letting us know how we can see God working in our lives, if we implement His instructions. In verse 37 Jesus tells us not to judge and condemn people, then we will not be judged or condemned. For us to grow spiritually as the people of God, we need to give others the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, without us passing judgement on them. Also we are not to look upon anyone as though they are useless, because we were not condemned by God. Through applying these instructions in our lives, we create an opportunity for spiritual growth. Then we will be able to follow the third instruction in this verse; forgive. Think about this: we cannot forgive until we stop judging and condemning people. When we forgive others, then we will be forgiven. When we are able to abide by these instructions, then we can move to verse 38 and be blessed when we give. Jesus tells us in this verse, “give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”  I don’t know about you, but I’m expecting what I get back to be running over! Why, because I’m not going to cheat the Lord by giving little. However, we will not get to this point until we stop judging, condemning, and start forgiving.

I want you to take sometime and examine yourself. I want you to think about your giving, which is more than money, it also includes your time and talents. If giving is a struggle, then you don’t know what to expect from God. It won’t be pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Because, you are dealing with judging, condemning, and forgiving. I’m not beating you down, but making you aware of what the Lord is expecting from you. Change is possible when you bring your struggles to the Lord. Be blessed indeed!